Bring call here selectively

ABSTRACT

A communication system includes logic to detect a second communication device in proximity to a first communication device engaged in a call, and to provide a substantially uninterrupted transfer of selected parties to the call to the second communication device. A proximate device may be identified as one capable of rendering a particular data type, and a substantially uninterrupted transfer may be performed to the proximate device of data of the communications having the data type. An application associated with communication data may be identified, as well as a proximate device capable of providing the application, and a substantially uninterrupted transfer may be performed to the proximate device of data associated with the application.

If an Application Data Sheet (ADS) has been filed on the filing date ofthis application, it is incorporated by reference herein. Anyapplications claimed on the ADS for priority under 35 U.S.C. §§119, 120,121 or 365(c), and any and all parent, grandparent, great-grandparent,etc. applications of such applications, are also incorporated byreference, including any priority claims made in those applications andany material incorporated by reference, to the extent such subjectmatter is not inconsistent herewith.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application is related to and/or claims the benefit of theearliest available effective filing date(s) from the following listedapplication(s) (the “Priority Applications”), if any, listed below(e.g., claims earliest available priority dates for other thanprovisional patent applications or claims benefits under 35 U.S.C.§119(e) for provisional patent applications, for any and all parent,grandparent, great-grandparent, etc. applications of the PriorityApplication(s)). In addition, the present application is related to the“Related Application(s),” if any, listed below:

PRIORITY APPLICATIONS

1. For purposes of the USPTO extra-statutory requirements, the presentapplication constitutes a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser.No. 14/539,880 entitled BRING CALL HERE SELECTIVELY, naming Royce A.Levien; Mark A. Malamud; and John D. Rinaldo, Jr. as inventors, filed 12Nov., 2012, which is currently co-pending, or is an application of whicha currently co-pending application is entitled to the benefit of thefiling date.

2. For purposes of the USPTO extra-statutory requirements, the presentapplication constitutes a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser.No. 13/480,002 entitled BRING CALL HERE SELECTIVELY, naming Royce A.Levien; Mark A. Malamud; and John D. Rinaldo, Jr. as inventors, filed 24May, 2012, issued as U.S. Pat. No. 8,923,835 B2, which is an applicationof which a currently co-pending application is entitled to the benefitof the filing date.

3. For purposes of the USPTO extra-statutory requirements, the presentapplication constitutes a continuation in part of United States patentapplication entitled CALL TRANSFER TO PROXIMATE DEVICES, naming Paul G.Allen; Edward K. Y. Jung; Royce A. Levien; Mark A. Malamud; and John D.Rinaldo, Jr. as inventors, filed 22 Nov. 2004 application Ser. No.10/995,889, issued as U.S. Pat. No. 7,424,288 B2, which is anapplication of which a currently co-pending application is entitled tothe benefit of the filing date.

4. For purposes of the USPTO extra-statutory requirements, the presentapplication constitutes a continuation in part of United States patentapplication entitled BRING CALL HERE SELECTIVELY, naming Royce A.Levien; Mark A. Malamud; and John D. Rinaldo, Jr. as inventors, filed 2Feb. 2005, application Ser. No. 11/050,399, issued as U.S. Pat. No.7,424,289 B2, which is an application of which a currently co-pendingapplication is entitled to the benefit of the filing date.

5. For purposes of the USPTO extra-statutory requirements, the presentapplication constitutes a continuation in part of United States patentapplication entitled TRANSFER BACK, naming Royce A. Levien; Mark A.Malamud; and John D. Rinaldo, Jr. as inventors, filed 2 Feb. 2005,application Ser. No. 11/050,400, issued as U.S. Pat. No. 7,536,179 B2,which is an application of which a currently co-pending application isentitled to the benefit of the filing date.

6. For purposes of the USPTO extra-statutory requirements, the presentapplication constitutes a continuation in part of United States patentapplication entitled TRANSFER THEN SLEEP, naming Royce A. Levien; MarkA. Malamud; and John D. Rinaldo, Jr. as inventors, filed 2 Feb. 2005,application Ser. No. 11/050,401, issued as U.S. Pat. No. 7,496,358 B2,which is an application of which a currently co-pending application isentitled to the benefit of the filing date.

7. For purposes of the USPTO extra-statutory requirements, the presentapplication constitutes a continuation in part of United States patentapplication entitled CALL TRANSFER TO PROXIMATE DEVICES, naming Royce A.Levien; Mark A. Malamud; and John D. Rinaldo, Jr. as inventors, filed 2Feb. 2005, application Ser. No. 11/050,402, issued as U.S. Pat. No.7,466,977 B2, which is an application of which a currently co-pendingapplication is entitled to the benefit of the filing date.

8. For purposes of the USPTO extra-statutory requirements, the presentapplication constitutes a continuation in part of United States patentapplication entitled CALL TRANSFER TO PROXIMATE DEVICES, naming Paul G.Allen; Edward K. Y. Jung; Royce A. Levien; Mark A. Malamud; and John D.Rinaldo, Jr. as inventors, filed 27 Jun. 2008, application Ser. No.12/215,670, issued as U.S. Pat. No. 8,208,913 B2, which is anapplication of which a currently co-pending application is entitled tothe benefit of the filing date.

9. For purposes of the USPTO extra-statutory requirements, the presentapplication constitutes a continuation in part of United States patentapplication entitled CALL TRANSFER TO PROXIMATE DEVICES, naming Paul G.Allen; Edward K. Y. Jung; Royce A. Levien; Mark A. Malamud; and John D.Rinaldo, Jr. as inventors, filed 27 Jun. 2008, application Ser. No.12/215,699, issued as U.S. Pat. No. 8,224,306 B2, which is anapplication of which a currently co-pending application is entitled tothe benefit of the filing date.

10. For purposes of the USPTO extra-statutory requirements, the presentapplication constitutes a continuation in part of United States patentapplication entitled BRING CALL HERE SELECTIVELY, naming Royce A.Levien; Mark A. Malamud; and John D. Rinaldo, Jr. as inventors, filed 27Jun. 2008, application Ser. No. 12/215,698, issued as U.S. Pat. No.8,175,588 B2, which is an application of which a currently co-pendingapplication is entitled to the benefit of the filing date.

11. For purposes of the USPTO extra-statutory requirements, the presentapplication constitutes a continuation in part of United States patentapplication entitled BRING CALL HERE SELECTIVELY, naming Royce A.Levien; Mark A. Malamud; and John D. Rinaldo, Jr. as inventors, filed 27Jun. 2008, application Ser. No. 12/215,703, issued as U.S. Pat. No.8,306,516 B2, which is an application of which a currently co-pendingapplication is entitled to the benefit of the filing date.

12. For purposes of the USPTO extra-statutory requirements, the presentapplication constitutes a continuation in part of United States patentapplication entitled ENHANCING A TRANSFERRED CALL, naming Royce A.Levien; Mark A. Malamud; and John D. Rinaldo, Jr. as inventors, filed 30Jun. 2008, application Ser. No. 12/217,120, issued as U.S. Pat. No.8,190,137 B2, which is an application of which a currently co-pendingapplication is entitled to the benefit of the filing date.

13. For purposes of the USPTO extra-statutory requirements, the presentapplication constitutes a continuation in part of United States patentapplication entitled TRANSFER BACK, naming Royce A. Levien; Mark A.Malamud; and John D. Rinaldo, Jr. as inventors, filed 30 Jun. 2008,application Ser. No. 12/217,122, issued as U.S. Pat. No. 8,078,156 B2,which is an application of which a currently co-pending application isentitled to the benefit of the filing date.

14. For purposes of the USPTO extra-statutory requirements, the presentapplication constitutes a continuation in part of United States patentapplication entitled ENHANCING A TRANSFERRED CALL, naming Royce A.Levien; Mark A. Malamud; and John D. Rinaldo, Jr. as inventors, filed 30Jun. 2008, application Ser. No. 12/217,124, issued as U.S. Pat. No.8,195,139 B2, which is an application of which a currently co-pendingapplication is entitled to the benefit of the filing date.

15. For purposes of the USPTO extra-statutory requirements, the presentapplication constitutes a continuation in part of United States patentapplication entitled TRANSFER BACK, naming Royce A. Levien; Mark A.Malamud; and John D. Rinaldo, Jr. as inventors, filed 30 Jun. 2008,application Ser. No. 12/217,125, issued as U.S. Pat. No. 8,081,959 B2,which is an application of which a currently co-pending application isentitled to the benefit of the filing date.

16. For purposes of the USPTO extra-statutory requirements, the presentapplication constitutes a continuation in part of United States patentapplication entitled TRANSFER THEN SLEEP, naming Royce A. Levien; MarkA. Malamud; and John D. Rinaldo, Jr. as inventors, filed 18 Nov. 2008,application Ser. No. 12/313,270, which is currently co-pending, or is anapplication of which a currently co-pending application is entitled tothe benefit of the filing date.

17. For purposes of the USPTO extra-statutory requirements, the presentapplication constitutes a continuation in part of United States patentapplication entitled TRANSFER THEN SLEEP, naming Royce A. Levien; MarkA. Malamud; and John D. Rinaldo, Jr. as inventors, filed 18 Nov. 2008,application Ser. No. 12/313,276, issued as U.S. Pat. No. 8,126,518 B2,which is an application of which a currently co-pending application isentitled to the benefit of the filing date.

18. For purposes of the USPTO extra-statutory requirements, the presentapplication constitutes a continuation in part of United States patentapplication entitled TRANSFER THEN SLEEP, naming Royce A. Levien; MarkA. Malamud; and John D. Rinaldo, Jr. as inventors, filed 27 Feb. 2012,application Ser. No. 13/406,438, issued as U.S. Pat. No. 8,478,363 B2,which is an application of which a currently co-pending application isentitled to the benefit of the filing date.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

None.

The United States Patent Office (USPTO) has published a notice to theeffect that the USPTO's computer programs require that patent applicantsreference both a serial number and indicate whether an application is acontinuation, continuation-in-part, or divisional of a parentapplication. Stephen G. Kunin, Benefit of Prior-Filed Application, USPTOOfficial Gazette Mar. 18, 2003. The USPTO further has provided forms forthe Application Data Sheet which allow automatic loading ofbibliographic data but which require identification of each applicationas a continuation, continuation-in-part, or divisional of a parentapplication. The present Applicant Entity (hereinafter “Applicant”) hasprovided above a specific reference to the application(s) from whichpriority is being claimed as recited by statute. Applicant understandsthat the statute is unambiguous in its specific reference language anddoes not require either a serial number or any characterization, such as“continuation” or “continuation-in-part,” for claiming priority to U.S.patent applications. Notwithstanding the foregoing, Applicantunderstands that the USPTO's computer programs have certain data entryrequirements, and hence Applicant has provided designation(s) of arelationship between the present application and its parentapplication(s) as set forth above and in any ADS filed in thisapplication, but expressly points out that such designation(s) are notto be construed in any way as any type of commentary and/or admission asto whether or not the present application contains any new matter inaddition to the matter of its parent application(s).

If the listings of applications provided above are inconsistent with thelistings provided via an ADS, it is the intent of the Applicant to claimpriority to each application that appears in the Priority Applicationssection of the ADS and to each application that appears in the PriorityApplications section of this application.

All subject matter of the Priority Applications and the RelatedApplications and of any and all parent, grandparent, great-grandparent,etc. applications of the Priority Applications and the RelatedApplications, including any priority claims, is incorporated herein byreference to the extent such subject matter is not inconsistentherewith.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates to transfer of communication amongdevices.

BACKGROUND

Mobile communication devices are now a common feature in both personaland commercial environments. Such devices continue to improve in bothfunctionality and reliability. However, being adapted for mobilitybrings drawbacks. Such devices tend to have small, limited keyboards andsmall screens, among other limitations.

The users of mobile devices are often in proximity with othercommunication devices. These other devices may, due to their largersize, have advantages not readily available in more portable devices.For example, these other devices may have superior audio, video, orimaging capabilities relative to their mobile counterparts. For theseand other reasons, it may be advantageous to employ the capabilities ofproximate devices when communicating via mobile devices.

SUMMARY

The following summary is intended to highlight and introduce someaspects of the disclosed embodiments, but not to limit the scope of theinvention. Thereafter, a detailed description of illustrated embodimentsis presented, which will permit one skilled in the relevant art to makeand use aspects of the invention. One skilled in the relevant art canobtain a full appreciation of aspects of the invention from thesubsequent detailed description, read together with the figures, andfrom the claims (which follow the detailed description).

A communication system includes logic to detect a second communicationdevice in proximity to a first communication device engaged in a call,and to provide a substantially uninterrupted transfer of selectedparties to the call to the second communication device. A proximatedevice may be identified as one capable of rendering a particular datatype, and a substantially uninterrupted transfer may be performed to theproximate device of data of the communications having the data type. Anapplication associated with communication data may be identified, aswell as a proximate device capable of providing the application, and asubstantially uninterrupted transfer may be performed to the proximatedevice of data associated with the application.

The following summary is intended to highlight and introduce someaspects of the disclosed embodiments, but not to limit the scope of theinvention. Thereafter, a detailed description of illustrated embodimentsis presented, which will permit one skilled in the relevant art to makeand use aspects of the invention. One skilled in the relevant art canobtain a full appreciation of aspects of the invention from thesubsequent detailed description, read together with the figures, andfrom the claims (which follow the detailed description).

A communication system includes logic to detect I/O activity of a firstcommunication device, logic to ascertain whether a second communicationdevice having an active call is in proximity to the first communicationdevice, and logic to provide a substantially uninterrupted transfer ofthe call from the second communication device to the first communicationdevice in response to detecting the I/O activity of the firstcommunication device if the second communication device is in proximityto the first communication device and has an active call.

The following summary is intended to highlight and introduce someaspects of the disclosed embodiments, but not to limit the scope of theinvention. Thereafter, a detailed description of illustrated embodimentsis presented, which will permit one skilled in the relevant art to makeand use aspects of the invention. One skilled in the relevant art canobtain a full appreciation of aspects of the invention from thesubsequent detailed description, read together with the figures, andfrom the claims (which follow the detailed description).

A second communication device is detected in proximity to a firstcommunication device engaged in a call. A substantially uninterruptedtransfer of the call is provided from the first communication device tothe second communication device. At least a part of the firstcommunication device is placed into a sleep mode in response to transferof the call to the second communication device.

The following summary is intended to highlight and introduce someaspects of the disclosed embodiments, but not to limit the scope of theclaims. Thereafter, a detailed description of illustrated embodiments ispresented, which will permit one skilled in the relevant art to make anduse aspects of the subject matter described herein. One skilled in therelevant art can obtain a full appreciation of aspects of the subjectmatter described herein from the subsequent detailed description, readtogether with the figures, and from the claims (which follow thedetailed description).

In some embodiments, a second communication device is detected inproximity to a first communication device engaged in a call, and asubstantially uninterrupted transfer of the call is provided to thesecond device. The call may be transferred automatically as a result ofobtaining proximity with the second device, and/or as a result ofoperating at least one control of the first device. The volume of thecommunication with the first device may be gradually reduced, whilegradually enhancing the volume of communication with the second device

In some embodiments, the second communication device is detected inproximity to the first communication device by applying wirelesscommunication between a third communication device and the secondcommunication device. The third and second devices may communicate usingBluetooth wireless technology. The third communication device may be adevice, such as a medallion, carried by a user of the firstcommunication device.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The headings provided herein are for convenience only and do notnecessarily affect the scope or meaning of the claimed invention.

In the drawings, the same reference numbers and acronyms identifyelements or acts with the same or similar functionality for ease ofunderstanding and convenience. To easily identify the discussion of anyparticular element or act, the most significant digit or digits in areference number refer to the figure number in which that element isfirst introduced.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an embodiment of a communicationenvironment.

FIG. 2 is an action flow diagram of an embodiment of a communicationtransfer process.

FIG. 3 is an action flow diagram of an embodiment of a partialcommunication transfer process.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram of an embodiment of a communicationenvironment.

FIG. 5 is an action flow diagram of an embodiment of a communicationtransfer process.

FIG. 6 is an action flow diagram of an embodiment of a partialcommunication transfer process.

FIG. 1A is a block diagram of an embodiment of a communicationenvironment.

FIG. 2A is an action flow diagram of an embodiment of a communicationtransfer process.

FIG. 3A is an action flow diagram of an embodiment of a partialcommunication transfer process.

FIG. 4A is a block diagram of an embodiment of a communicationenvironment.

FIG. 5A is an action flow diagram of an embodiment of a communicationtransfer process.

FIG. 6A is an action flow diagram of an embodiment of a partialcommunication transfer process.

FIG. 1B is a block diagram of an embodiment of a communicationenvironment.

FIG. 2B is an action flow diagram of an embodiment of a communicationtransfer process.

FIG. 3B is an action flow diagram of an embodiment of a partialcommunication transfer process.

FIG. 4B is a block diagram of an embodiment of a communicationenvironment.

FIG. 5B is an action flow diagram of an embodiment of a communicationtransfer process.

FIG. 6B is an action flow diagram of an embodiment of a partialcommunication transfer process.

FIG. 1C is a block diagram of an embodiment of a communicationenvironment.

FIG. 2C is an action flow diagram of an embodiment of a communicationtransfer process.

FIG. 3C is an action flow diagram of an embodiment of a partialcommunication transfer process.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The invention will now be described with respect to various embodiments.The following description provides specific details for a thoroughunderstanding of, and enabling description for, these embodiments of theinvention. However, one skilled in the art will understand that theinvention may be practiced without these details. In other instances,well known structures and functions have not been shown or described indetail to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the description of theembodiments of the invention. References to “one embodiment” or “anembodiment” do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment, althoughthey may.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a communication environment. The wirelesscommunication device 112 provides wireless communication of signals toand from other devices. Examples of a wireless communication deviceinclude a cellular telephone 112, a wireless telephone handset 116, apersonal digital assistant, and/or a laptop computer. The wirelesscommunication device 112 may transmit and receive analog and/or digitalsignals representing human voices. The wireless communication device 112may also transmit and receive various forms of non-voice data.

The wireless communication device 112 exchanges signals with the network114, either directly or via one or more antennas 108 of a co-locatedwireless base station 106. The exchange of signals between the wirelessdevice 112 and the network 114 may result in the establishment of acall, whereby the device user may obtain and/or provide voice and/ornon-voice information with another person and/or with a computingdevice. For example, two individuals may engage in a conversation usingtheir cellular telephones, such as device 112. Or, a user of device 112may interact with a computing device to obtain his electronic mail.

The communication environment may comprise a desktop computer 102, whichin turn may comprise a display 104 and/or speakers 106. Alternatively oradditionally, some environments may include, for example, a laptopcomputer or a terminal interface to a central shared computing resource.

The display 104 provides for the display of visual information such astext, images, windows, menus, icons, and video. In some embodiments, thedisplay 104 comprises cathode ray tube technology. In other embodiments,the display 104 comprises flat screen technology.

The speakers 106 provide rendering (e.g., playing) of audio information.In some embodiments, the speakers 106 comprise headphones. In otherembodiments stand-alone and/or built-in speakers 106 may be used.

A microphone 118 converts sounds to audio information. In someembodiments, the microphone 118 is built into the computing device. Themicrophone 118 may also be integrated with the headset or may comprise astand alone wired or wireless microphone. There may be more than onemicrophone 118 within the communications environment.

While the first communications device 112 is engaged in a call,proximity with a second communication device may be detected. Examplesof a second communication device include a desktop computer 102, alaptop, a computer, a television 110, or a wireless telephone handset116, to name just a few possibilities. The logic to detect proximitybetween two communication devices may reside within the first device112, within the second device 102, 110, or 116, within the network 114,and/or within combinations of these and/or other devices. When usedherein, logic may include circuitry and/or instructions stored within amemory which effects the indicated actions.

Detecting a second device 102, 110 or 116 may include detecting awireless signal communicated by the second device 102, 110, or 116.Detecting a wireless signal communicated by the second device 102, 110,or 116 may include detecting an infrared signal, and/or applyingBluetooth communications between the first 112 and second 102, 110, or116 devices.

Detecting a second communication device 102, 110, or 116 in proximity toa first communication device 112 engaged in a call may includeidentifying the second device 102, 110, or 116 visually, e.g. from oneor more images captured by the first 112 or second devices 102, 110,116.

Detecting a second communication device 102, 110, or 116 in proximity toa first communication device 112 engaged in a call may include detectingthat the first device 112 is in a physical area, and detecting that thesecond device 102, 110, or 116 is also in the area.

Detecting a second communication device 102, 110, or 116 in proximity toa first communication device 112 engaged in a call may include applyingwireless communication between a third communication device and thesecond communication device 102, 110 or 116. The third device and thesecond device 102, 110 or 116 may communicate using Bluetoothtechnology. The third device may be carried by a user of the firstcommunications device 112. For example, the third device may be aBluetooth-capable medallion worn by the user of the first communicationsdevice 112.

When a second communications device 102, 110, or 116 is detected to bein proximity to the first communications device 112 which is engaged ina call, the call may be transferred in a substantially uninterruptedmanner from the first device 112 to the second device 102, 110, or 116.Providing substantially uninterrupted transfer of the call to the seconddevice 102, 110, or 116 may include identifying the second device 102,110, or 116 to a network 114 by which the call is provided. The network114 may substantially duplicate the call to the second device 102, 110,or 116. The logic to accomplish the transfer of the call may residewithin the network 114 or within some combination of the network andother devices, such as, for example, the first device 112.

In some embodiments, after proximity is detected between the firstdevice 112 and the second device 102, 110, or 116, transfer may occurautomatically. Transfer may also occur after user manipulation of acontrol on the first device 112. Controls of the first device 112 mayinclude at least one button, lever, dial, touch-sensitive area, switch,or voice command control. For example, the user may be provided with anoption on the device's 112 display which, if selected, may initiate calltransfer.

Alternatively, transfer may occur after user manipulation of a controlon the second device 102, 110, or 116. For example, if the second deviceis a computer 102, its display may show an option which, if selected,may initiate call transfer. In some embodiments, the call may betransferred in response to motion of the first device toward the seconddevice. In some embodiments, the call may be transferred in response toorienting the first device toward the second device.

In some embodiments, after the call has been transferred to the seconddevice 102, 110, or 116, it may be transferred in a substantiallyuninterrupted manner back to the first device 112. The transfer back tothe first device 112 may in some embodiments occur automatically. As anexample, automatic transfer back to the first device 112 may occur whenthe first device 112 is moved out of proximity with the second device102, 110, or 116. The transfer back to the first device 112 may alsooccur as a result of user manipulation of a control on the first device112 or on the second device 102, 110, or 116.

Transferring the call from the first device 112 to the second device102, 110, or 116 may include terminating the call from the perspectiveof the first device 112. In some embodiments, transferring the callincludes terminating the call to the first device 112 from theperspective of the network 114. If a second call is received, the secondcall may automatically or under user control also be transferred to thesecond device 102, 110, or 116.

In some embodiments, communications to the first 112 and second 102,110, or 116 devices may be routed through a central premise device, suchas the base station 106.

In some embodiments, communications to the second device 102, 110, or116 may be routed through the first device 112.

In some embodiments where a central premise device 106 or the firstdevice 112 provides the interface to the second device 102, 110, or 116,the network 114 and its logic may not be involved in accomplishing thecall transfer. In that situation, the call, from the standpoint of thenetwork 114, may still be ongoing with the first device 112.

In some embodiments, although the call has been transferred to thesecond device 102, 110, or 116, the user may be able to perform somecontrol functions with respect to the call by manipulating controls onthe first device 112. For example, the user may be able to terminate thecall by manipulating a control on the first device 112.

In some embodiments, the user will additionally or alternatively be ableto perform some control functions with respect to the call bymanipulating controls on the second device 102, 110, or 116.

FIG. 2 is an action flow diagram of an embodiment of a communicationtransfer process initiated by action of the first device. At 202,communication takes place between the first device and the network. At201, transfer of the call which is active on the first device isinitiated (e.g., transfer to occur to the second device). Transfer maybe initiated automatically when the first device becomes proximate withthe second device. Alternatively and/or in conjunction with proximity,the user may operate a control on the first device and/or second deviceto initiate transfer.

In some embodiments, the user may operate a control in response toeither/both the first or second device providing an indication that acall transfer is available. The device in most embodiments would providethis indication after proximity has been detected. Examples of the firstdevice providing an indication that a call transfer is available,include the first device providing at least one touch screen selection,activating a light emitting diode or other visual indication, and/orproviding a tone or other audible indication. An example of the seconddevice providing an indication would be providing, on its display, amessage indicating proximity exists along with an option to initiatetransfer.

At 204, the network provides a call connection to the second device. At206, the network duplicates the communication to the second device. Theduplication of communication which may occur accomplishes, from theuser's perspective, a substantially uninterrupted call as transfer isaccomplished. This may be advantageous as the user's attention need notmove instantaneously from the first to second device.

At 208, the network attenuates communication to the first device, (whilepossibly enhancing communication to the second device). Graduallyattenuating communication with the first device may include graduallyreducing a volume of the communication with the first device. Graduallyenhancing communication with the second device may include graduallyincreasing the volume of communication with the second device.

In a second scenario, at 210 the communication takes place between thenetwork and the second device. At 211, transfer of the call which isactive on the second device is initiated (transfer to occur to the firstdevice). Transfer may be initiated automatically when the second deviceis no longer proximate with the first device (and thus presumably, thefirst device and its user have moved away from the second device).Alternatively, the user may operate a control on the first or seconddevice to initiate transfer.

At 212, the network provides a call connection to the first device. At214, the network duplicates the communication to the first device. At216, communication to the second device is attenuated (while possiblyenhancing communication to the first device).

The network may be actively involved in accomplishing the call transferin the above scenarios. Alternatively, in some embodiments, the networkmay be unaware that a call transfer is occurring. In those embodiments,all and/or part of logic to accomplish the call transfer, includingduplicating and enhancing or attenuating communications as indicated,may be performed by elements other than the network. For example, thefirst device might act as a pass-through for communications with thesecond device.

FIG. 3 is an action-flow diagram of an embodiment of the partialcommunication transfer process. At 302, communication takes placebetween the first device and the network. At 301, the first device movesproximate to the second device, and/or the user of the first deviceoperates a control of the first and/or second devices.

At 304, the network provides a call connection to the second device.

At 306, one or more particular data types occurring within the call tothe first device are duplicated to the second device. This duplicationmay be performed wholly or in part by logic within the network, as isshown in FIG. 3.

Alternatively, in other embodiments, the network may not participate induplication of a portion of the call to the first device. For example,the first device may act as a conduit for specific call information tothe second device, without intervention of the network.

Thus, as shown in FIG. 3, a portion of the call state (for one or moredata types) is duplicated. For example, if the second device hasspeakers, sounds which are sent to the first device may be expressedthrough the speakers of the second device. For this same call, othertypes of communication, such as inbound text messages, may still occurthrough the first device.

As a second example, if the second device were a television, sounds andimages destined for the first device might be duplicated or expressed onthe television. For this same call, images which include text mightadditionally be expressed on the first device, where data entry wouldoccur.

To accomplish partial call transfer for a particular data type or types,the effecting computing elements (e.g. processor(s) and logic of thefirst device, and/or second device, and/or network) may detect the datatype of communication data. Examples of a data type of communicationinclude voice, video, data file, or music.

Additionally, the capabilities of the proximate device for rendering thedata type may be recognized. Examples include facilities for displayingimages, playing video, and/or playing sound or music.

Accomplishing a partial call transfer may include maintainingcommunication with the first device of data not having the selected datatype(s), and transferring data having the selected data type(s) to theproximate device.

At 308, the network attenuates communication of the data type (forexample, sounds) to the first device. In other embodiments, aspreviously indicated, attenuation may be performed by the first (orsecond) devices without involvement by the network.

In another scenario, at 308 communication occurs to the first device. At309, proximity and/or user manipulation of a control on the first and/orsecond device results in initiation of a partial call transfer. At 310,a connection occurs to the second device as a result of this initiation.At 312, the network and/or other computing elements duplicatescommunication of particular application data to the second device (e.g.duplicates data to the second device for which there is a well-suitedapplication of the second device). For example, if the second devicewere a computer having a media player application, and the first acellular phone, it might be recognized that electronic video messagesare well suited to be handled on the second device.

To accomplish partial call transfer for data associated with aparticular application, applications associated with particularcommunication data may be recognized. Examples of likely applicationsinclude a chat application, a messaging application, a game application,a video application, an image processing application, a musicapplication, or an audio application.

Additionally, some of the capabilities of a proximate device may berecognized, possibly including identification of the capability toprovide certain applications.

Additionally, device states and data may be maintained and communicatedto accomplish a substantially uninterrupted transfer to the proximatedevice of data associated with the application. For example, fileattachments associated with an email message may be transferred alongwith ongoing communications.

At 314, the network attenuates communication of the application data tothe first device and possibly enhances communication of the applicationdata to the second device.

As mentioned before, in other embodiments this functionality may beaccomplished without the involvement of network logic, e.g. the firstdevice acts as a conduit of the data type(s) to the second device.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram of an embodiment of a communicationenvironment.

Within the communications environment, a first device 112 comprises adisplay 408, an audio input 406, a processor 402, and memory 404.

Another device 102 comprises a keyboard 410, a camera 416, and pointingdevice 412 (e.g. mouse) inputs. The device 102 also comprises amicrophone 118, a display 104, and earphones 106.

In some embodiments, the user of the first device 112 may wear a device405, which may be used, at least in part, to detect proximity betweenthe first device 112 and the second device 102. Examples of a device 405which may be worn comprise a BlueTooth medallion, a watch, or a deviceincorporated into jewelry or clothing.

Proximity detection may comprise detecting more than one proximatedevice. For example, in the embodiment of FIG. 4, the mobile device 112,the television 110, and the device 102 may be detected as being inproximity to one another.

Proximity detection may comprise detecting more than one mobile devicein an environment. For example, a mobile device such as 112 could bedetected, and additionally, a notebook computer and portable musicplayer could be detected.

The proximity detection function may be incorporated into the firstdevice 112, second device 102, or both, or may take place via a separatedevice such as the wearable device 405.

The wearable device 405 may incorporate additional functionality inaddition to proximity detection, such that functionality (logic) tofacilitate various acts described herein in conjunction with the firstand second devices 112 and 102, respectively. For example, a watch ormedallion may incorporate cellular telephone features, data processingfunctionality, and proximity detection functionality. Thus, in someembodiments the device 405 could take the place of the first device 112.

Several of devices 112, 102, and 405 may incorporate a portion or all ofthe proximity detection function, and at least one (not necessarily thesame one(s)) may accomplish this functionality at various times. Thedevice(s) used for proximity detection may also be used to detect lossof proximity.

When one device detects proximity with another device, the presence ofan active call on one of the devices may also be ascertained as part ofor along with proximity detection. For example, call transfer to asecond device 102 from a first device 112 may begin with detection ofproximity between the devices and ascertaining that the first device 102has an active call.

Providing a substantially uninterrupted transfer of a call may comprisesubstantially duplicating at least a portion of the state of thetransferred call onto the target device. For example, if the call is onhold on the first device, the call may also be placed on hold on thesecond device once transferred.

Various events may trigger the call transfer process. For example, calltransfer may be provided, at least in part, in response to motion of thefirst device 112 toward the second device 102. Call transfer may beprovided, at least in part, in response to orienting the first device112 toward the second device 102. Call transfer may be provided, atleast in part, if the second device 102 has capabilities superior to thefirst device 112 to render information of the call. Call transfer may beprovided, at least in part, upon detection of indications that a user ofthe first device 112 has shifted to using the second device 102. Suchindications that a user of the first device 112 has shifted to using thesecond device 102 include detecting that the second device 102 (whenmobile) is moving away from the first device 112, or vice versa.

Activity of the second device 102 might also indicate that usage hasshifted. Such activity may include I/O activity on the second device102. Detecting I-O activity on a communications device 102 may includedetecting I-O activity other than actions to explicitly cause a transferof the call. Such I/O activity may include such things as adjustment ofa visual display control, adjustment of an audio input or outputcontrol, adjustment of a video input or output control, a keyboardevent, or use of a mouse or other pointing device.

In some embodiments, the first device 112 may continue to monitoraspects of the call after the call is transferred to the second device102 (or multiple devices). This monitoring may include the first device112 recording call information after the call has been transferred.

Providing a substantially uninterrupted transfer of a call may includetransferring selected parties of the call to the second device. Selectedparties to the call may include parties selected by a user, selectedchannels of the call, and/or parties selected according to rulescomprised by at least one of the first and second devices. Selectedparties to the call may include parties and/or channels of the callselected according to applications of and/or capabilities of the seconddevice. For example, selected parties to the call may include partiesthat are instant messaging chat participants, because the second deviceis better suited (e.g. larger keyboard, larger screen) to supporting aninstant messaging application. Selected parties to the call may includeparties that are participants in a voice conference call, for example,because the second device is better suited (e.g. superior microphone andspeaker) to supporting a voice conferencing application. Selectedparties to the call may include parties that are participants in a videoconference call, for example, because the second device is better suitedto supporting a video conferencing application.

An active call may be transferred, at least in part, to a second device102 already having an existing (different) active call. At least aportion of the call on the first device 112 may be merged with theexisting call on the second device 102. Merging may include mergingvoice data of the call to the first device 112 with non-voice, non-videodata of the existing call of the second device 102. Merging may includemerging voice data of the call to the first device 112 with video dataof the existing call. Merging may include merging the call of the firstdevice 112 and the existing call into a voice and/or video conferencecall.

The information communicated via the call on the first device 112 may beadjusted when transferred according to at least one of I/O, processing,data processing application, or communication capabilities of the seconddevice 102. Adjusting the information communicated via the call mayinclude adjusting the bandwidth of the call, increasing the resolutionof video information of the call, and/or increasing the fidelity and/ornumber of channels of audio information of the call. Adjusting theinformation of the call may include adding video information to thecall, adding non-audio, non-video data to the call.

The manner in which the information of the call is presented to a usermay also be adjusted according to at least one of I/O, processing, dataprocessing application, or communication capabilities of the seconddevice 102. Adjusting the presentation of information of the call mayinclude adjusting video and/or image presentation dimensions to fit adisplay of the second device 102, adjusting audio fidelity and/or numberof channels according to the audio rendering capabilities of the seconddevice 102, and/or activating at least one data processing applicationof the second device 102 to process information of the call.

The second device 102 may be enabled to control at least some aspects ofthe call (or portion or portions thereof) transferred from the firstdevice 112. Enabling the second device 102 to control at least someaspects of the call of the first device 112 may include providing anemulation of controls of the first device on the second device.Emulation 414 of at least some control aspects of the first device 112may be presented on a display 104 of the second device 102. Emulationmay comprise providing via the second device 102 at least a portion of auser interface of the first device 112. Emulating a portion of a userinterface may include emulating buttons or other controls of the firstdevice 112 on a graphical user interface (GUI) of the second device 102,e.g. providing a picture, image, or other reproduction of at least partof the first device 112 on a GUI of the second device 102.

Enabling the second device 102 to control at least some aspects of thecall of the first device 112 may include enabling control of the call ofthe first device 112 via voice commands to the second device 102,enabling control of the call to the first device 112 via gestures to thesecond device 102, controlling connection and/or disconnection of thecall of the first device 112, enabling control of the status of the callof the first device 112, and/or enabling control of data recordingfeatures of the call of the first device 112.

In response to transfer of the call to the second device 102 or devices,one or more parts of the first device 112 may be placed into a sleepmode. Placing at least a part of the first device 112 into a sleep modemay include decreasing power consumption of at least a part of the firstdevice 112, for example, by dimming or disabling a visual display of thedevice 112, reducing the clock rate of and/or disabling a processorand/or a processor bus of the device 112, reducing the clock rate ofand/or disabling a memory bus and/or communication bus of the device112, reducing power consumption of an audio system component of thedevice 112, reducing power consumption of a memory controller and/ormemory interface of the device 112, and/or reducing the powerconsumption of a communication controller and/or communication interfaceof the device 112.

Power consumption of at least a part of the first device 112 may befurther reduced if the call is discontinued or if the second device 102loses proximity with the first device 112.

In some embodiments, a substantially uninterrupted transfer of at leasta portion of the call may occur to the second device 102 and transfer ofat least a portion of the call may occur to a third device 110.Providing a transfer of the call to multiple target devices may includeselecting which device to transfer a portion or portions of the call toaccording to the target device capabilities, user selections of thedevices, a type of information in the portion or portions of the call(e.g. is it audio or video), selecting one or more of the target devicesaccording to the data processing application or applications availableon the target device(s) (e.g. does the target device support instantmessaging, chat, spreadsheets, word processing, and so on), and/oraccording to rules comprised by at least one of the first 112, second102, and third 110 devices (or more).

In some embodiments, a call may be transferred back to the first device112 from one or more of the devices 102, 110 to which the call was firsttransferred. The call may be transferred back to the first device 112 inresponse to the first device 112 moving away from the second device 102and/or additional devices 110. The call may be transferred back as aresult of indications that the user has shifted back to using theoriginal communicating device 112. I/O activity of the first device 112and/or other devices may be monitored to determine if transfer back tothe first device 112 should occur. Some or all of the call transferfeatures described herein for the original transfer of the call may beprovided for the transfer of the call back to the first device 112. Forexample, selected parties of the call may be transferred back to thefirst device 112, the second 102 or multiple devices may continue tomonitor the status/duration of the call after transfer back, thetransfer back may occur for a particular data type of the call and/oraccording to capabilities/applications of the first device 112, and soon.

FIG. 5 is an action flow diagram of an embodiment of a communicationtransfer process. Upon transfer of the call to the second device, theall or portions of the first device may sleep at 503, e.g. enter areduced power state. The first device may at 504 continue to monitor asleast some aspects of the call transferred to the second device. Thefirst device may wake at 506 upon detecting that the user's attentionhas returned to the first device.

FIG. 6 is an action flow diagram of an embodiment of a partialcommunication transfer process. At 302, a first device communicates witha base station or network. One or more of the data types within thecommunication are identified. Examples of data type of communicationdata include voice, video, data file, or music. At 304, a connection isestablished to a second device. A portion of the communication to thefirst device, having a first data type, is transferred to the seconddevice at 604. The second device has been identified as a proximatedevice capable of rendering the first data type. Examples of renderingthe data type include at least one of displaying images, playing videoor playing sound or music.

Selecting a proximate device to render or process communications datamay include identifying an application, provided by that device, whichcan process the data. Examples of identifying an application associatedwith communication data include at least one of a chat application,messaging application, game application, video application, imageprocessing application, music application, or audio application.

At 602 communication is established to a third device. A portion of thecommunication to the first device, having a second data type, istransferred to the third device at 606. The third device has beenidentified as a proximate device capable of rendering the second datatype. At 608, communication to the first device is attenuated for thefirst data type. At 610, communication to the first device is attenuatedfor the second data type.

Providing a substantially uninterrupted transfer of the communicationsdata in a call may mean maintaining communications with the first devicefor those data types and applications not supported by the proximatedevices, and transferring to a second or additional devicescommunications for particular data type associated with particularapplications/capabilities which are supported by the proximate devices.

Those having skill in the art will appreciate that there are variousvehicles by which processes and/or systems described herein can beeffected (e.g., hardware, software, and/or firmware, collectively,logic), and that the preferred vehicle will vary with the context inwhich the processes are deployed. For example, if an implementerdetermines that speed and accuracy are paramount, the implementer mayopt for a hardware and/or firmware vehicle; alternatively, ifflexibility is paramount, the implementer may opt for a solely softwareimplementation; or, yet again alternatively, the implementer may opt forsome combination of hardware, software, and/or firmware. Hence, thereare several possible vehicles by which the processes described hereinmay be effected, none of which is inherently superior to the other inthat any vehicle to be utilized is a choice dependent upon the contextin which the vehicle will be deployed and the specific concerns (e.g.,speed, flexibility, or predictability) of the implementer, any of whichmay vary. Those skilled in the art will recognize that optical aspectsof implementations will require optically-oriented hardware, software,and or firmware.

The foregoing detailed description has set forth various embodiments ofthe devices and/or processes via the use of block diagrams, flowcharts,and/or examples. Insofar as such block diagrams, flowcharts, and/orexamples contain one or more functions and/or operations, it will beunderstood as notorious by those within the art that each functionand/or operation within such block diagrams, flowcharts, or examples canbe implemented, individually and/or collectively, by a wide range ofhardware, software, firmware, or virtually any combination thereof.Several portions of the subject matter subject matter described herein,may be implemented via forms of logic including Application SpecificIntegrated Circuits (ASICs), Field Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGAs),digital signal processors (DSPs), or other integrated formats. However,those skilled in the art will recognize that some aspects of theembodiments disclosed herein, in whole or in part, can be equivalentlyimplemented using forms of logic including integrated circuits, as oneor more computer programs running on one or more computers (e.g., as oneor more programs running on one or more computer systems), as one ormore programs running on one or more processors (e.g., as one or moreprograms running on one or more microprocessors), as firmware, or asvirtually any combination thereof, and that designing the circuitryand/or writing the code for the software and/or firmware would be wellwithin the skill of one of skill in the art in light of this disclosure.In addition, those skilled in the art will appreciate that themechanisms of the subject matter described herein are capable of beingdistributed as a program product in a variety of forms, and that anillustrative embodiment of the subject matter described herein appliesequally regardless of the particular type of signal bearing media usedto actually carry out the distribution. Examples of a signal bearingmedia include, but are not limited to, the following: recordable typemedia such as floppy disks, hard disk drives, CD ROMs, digital tape, andcomputer memory; and transmission type media such as digital and analogcommunication links using TDM or IP based communication links (e.g.,packet links).

In a general sense, those skilled in the art will recognize that thevarious aspects described herein which can be implemented, individuallyand/or collectively, by logic including a wide range of hardware,software, firmware, or any combination thereof which can be viewed asbeing composed of various types of “electrical circuitry.” Consequently,as used herein “electrical circuitry” includes, but is not limited to,electrical circuitry having at least one discrete electrical circuit,electrical circuitry having at least one integrated circuit, electricalcircuitry having at least one application specific integrated circuit,electrical circuitry forming a general purpose computing deviceconfigured by a computer program (e.g., a general purpose computerconfigured by a computer program which at least partially carries outprocesses and/or devices described herein, or a microprocessorconfigured by a computer program which at least partially carries outprocesses and/or devices described herein), electrical circuitry forminga memory device (e.g., forms of random access memory), and/or electricalcircuitry forming a communications device (e.g., a modem, communicationsswitch, or optical-electrical equipment).

Those skilled in the art will recognize that it is common within the artto describe devices and/or processes in the fashion set forth herein,and thereafter use standard engineering practices to integrate suchdescribed devices and/or processes into larger systems. That is, atleast a portion of the devices and/or processes described herein can beintegrated into a network processing system via a reasonable amount ofexperimentation.

The foregoing described aspects depict different components containedwithin, or connected with, different other components. It is to beunderstood that such depicted architectures are merely exemplary, andthat in fact many other architectures can be implemented which achievethe same functionality. In a conceptual sense, any arrangement ofcomponents to achieve the same functionality is effectively “associated”such that the desired functionality is achieved. Hence, any twocomponents herein combined to achieve a particular functionality can beseen as “associated with” each other such that the desired functionalityis achieved, irrespective of architectures or intermedial components.Likewise, any two components so associated can also be viewed as being“operably connected”, or “operably coupled”, to each other to achievethe desired functionality.

Unless the context clearly requires otherwise, throughout thedescription and the claims, the words “comprise,” “comprising,” and thelike, are to be construed in an inclusive sense as opposed to anexclusive or exhaustive sense. Or in other words, for the purposes of“including, but not limited to.” Words using the singular or pluralnumber also include the plural or singular number respectively.Additionally, the words “herein,” “above,” “below” and words of similarimport, when used in this application, shall refer to this applicationas a whole and not to any particular portions of this applicationseparately. When the claims use the word “or” in reference to a list oftwo or more items, that word covers all of the following interpretationsof the word: any of the items in the list, all of the items in the listand any combination of the items in the list

II. Enhancing a Transferred Call

The invention will now be described with respect to various embodiments.The following description provides specific details for a thoroughunderstanding of, and enabling description for, these embodiments of theinvention. However, one skilled in the art will understand that theinvention may be practiced without these details. In other instances,well known structures and functions have not been shown or described indetail to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the description of theembodiments of the invention. References to “one embodiment” or “anembodiment” do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment, althoughthey may.

FIG. 1A is a block diagram of a communication environment. The wirelesscommunication device 112A provides wireless communication of signals toand from other devices. Examples of a wireless communication deviceinclude a cellular telephone 112A, a wireless telephone handset 116A, apersonal digital assistant, and/or a laptop computer. The wirelesscommunication device 112A may transmit and receive analog and/or digitalsignals representing human voices. The wireless communication device112A may also transmit and receive various forms of non-voice data.

The wireless communication device 112A exchanges signals with thenetwork 114A, either directly or via one or more antennas 108A of aco-located wireless base station 106A.

The exchange of signals between the wireless device 112A and the network114A may result in the establishment of a call, whereby the device usermay obtain and/or provide voice and/or non-voice information withanother person and/or with a computing device. For example, twoindividuals may engage in a conversation using their cellulartelephones, such as device 112A. Or, a user of device 112A may interactwith a computing device to obtain his electronic mail.

The communication environment may comprise a desktop computer 102A,which in turn may comprise a display 104A and/or speakers 106A.Alternatively or additionally, some environments may include, forexample, a laptop computer or a terminal interface to a central sharedcomputing resource.

The display 104A provides for the display of visual information such astext, images, windows, menus, icons, and video. In some embodiments, thedisplay 104A comprises cathode ray tube technology. In otherembodiments, the display 104A comprises flat screen technology.

The speakers 106A provide rendering (e.g., playing) of audioinformation. In some embodiments, the speakers 106A comprise headphones.In other embodiments stand-alone and/or built-in speakers 106A may beused.

A microphone 118A converts sounds to audio information. In someembodiments, the microphone 118A is built into the computing device. Themicrophone 118A may also be integrated with the headset or may comprisea stand alone wired or wireless microphone. There may be more than onemicrophone 118A within the communications environment.

While the first communications device 112A is engaged in a call,proximity with a second communication device may be detected. Examplesof a second communication device include a desktop computer 102A, alaptop, a computer, a television 110A, or a wireless telephone handset116A, to name just a few possibilities. The logic to detect proximitybetween two communication devices may reside within the first device112A, within the second device 102A, 110A, or 116A, within the network114A, and/or within combinations of these and/or other devices. Whenused herein, logic may include circuitry and/or instructions storedwithin a memory which effects the indicated actions.

Detecting a second device 102A, 110A or 116A may include detecting awireless signal communicated by the second device 102A, 110A, or 116A.Detecting a wireless signal communicated by the second device 102A,110A, or 116A may include detecting an infrared signal, and/or applyingBluetooth communications between the first 112A and second 102A, 110A,or 116A devices.

Detecting a second communication device 102A, 110A, or 116A in proximityto a first communication device 112A engaged in a call may includeidentifying the second device 102A, 110A, or 116A visually, e.g. fromone or more images captured by the first 112A or second devices 102A,110A, 116A.

Detecting a second communication device 102A, 110A, or 116A in proximityto a first communication device 112A engaged in a call may includedetecting that the first device 112A is in a physical area, anddetecting that the second device 102A, 110A, or 116A is also in thearea.

Detecting a second communication device 102A, 110A, or 116A in proximityto a first communication device 112A engaged in a call may includeapplying wireless communication between a third communication device andthe second communication device 102A, 110A or 116A. The third device andthe second device 102A, 110A or 116A may communicate using Bluetoothtechnology. The third device may be carried by a user of the firstcommunications device 112A. For example, the third device may be aBluetooth-capable medallion worn by the user of the first communicationsdevice 112A.

When a second communications device 102A, 110A, or 116A is detected tobe in proximity to the first communications device 112A which is engagedin a call, the call may be transferred in a substantially uninterruptedmanner from the first device 112A to the second device 102A, 110A, or116A. Providing substantially uninterrupted transfer of the call to thesecond device 102A, 110A, or 116A may include identifying the seconddevice 102A, 110A, or 116A to a network 114A by which the call isprovided. The network 114A may substantially duplicate the call to thesecond device 102A, 110A, or 116A. The logic to accomplish the transferof the call may reside within the network 114A or within somecombination of the network and other devices, such as, for example, thefirst device 112A.

In some embodiments, after proximity is detected between the firstdevice 112A and the second device 102A, 110A, or 116A, transfer mayoccur automatically. Transfer may also occur after user manipulation ofa control on the first device 112A. Controls of the first device 112Amay include at least one button, lever, dial, touch-sensitive area,switch, or voice command control. For example, the user may be providedwith an option on the device's 112A display which, if selected, mayinitiate call transfer.

Alternatively, transfer may occur after user manipulation of a controlon the second device 102A, 110A, or 116A. For example, if the seconddevice is a computer 102A, its display may show an option which, ifselected, may initiate call transfer. In some embodiments, the call maybe transferred in response to motion of the first device toward thesecond device. In some embodiments, the call may be transferred inresponse to orienting the first device toward the second device.

In some embodiments, after the call has been transferred to the seconddevice 102A, 110A, or 116A, it may be transferred in a substantiallyuninterrupted manner back to the first device 112A. The transfer back tothe first device 112A may in some embodiments occur automatically. As anexample, automatic transfer back to the first device 112A may occur whenthe first device 112A is moved out of proximity with the second device102A, 110A, or 116A. The transfer back to the first device 112A may alsooccur as a result of user manipulation of a control on the first device112A or on the second device 102A, 110A, or 116A.

Transferring the call from the first device 112A to the second device102A, 110A, or 116A may include terminating the call from theperspective of the first device 112A. In some embodiments, transferringthe call includes terminating the call to the first device 112A from theperspective of the network 114A. If a second call is received, thesecond call may automatically or under user control also be transferredto the second device 102A, 110A, or 116A.

In some embodiments, communications to the first 112A and second 102A,110A, or 116A devices may be routed through a central premise device,such as the base station 106A.

In some embodiments, communications to the second device 102A, 110A, or116A may be routed through the first device 112A.

In some embodiments where a central premise device 106A or the firstdevice 112A provides the interface to the second device 102A, 110A, or116A, the network 114A and its logic may not be involved inaccomplishing the call transfer. In that situation, the call, from thestandpoint of the network 114A, may still be ongoing with the firstdevice 112A.

In some embodiments, although the call has been transferred to thesecond device 102A, 110A, or 116A, the user may be able to perform somecontrol functions with respect to the call by manipulating controls onthe first device 112A. For example, the user may be able to terminatethe call by manipulating a control on the first device 112A.

In some embodiments, the user will additionally or alternatively be ableto perform some control functions with respect to the call bymanipulating controls on the second device 102A, 110A, or 116A.

FIG. 2A is an action flow diagram of an embodiment of a communicationtransfer process initiated by action of the first device. At 202A,communication takes place between the first device and the network. At201A, transfer of the call which is active on the first device isinitiated (e.g., transfer to occur to the second device). Transfer maybe initiated automatically when the first device becomes proximate withthe second device. Alternatively and/or in conjunction with proximity,the user may operate a control on the first device and/or second deviceto initiate transfer.

In some embodiments, the user may operate a control in response toeither/both the first or second device providing an indication that acall transfer is available. The device in most embodiments would providethis indication after proximity has been detected. Examples of the firstdevice providing an indication that a call transfer is available,include the first device providing at least one touch screen selection,activating a light emitting diode or other visual indication, and/orproviding a tone or other audible indication. An example of the seconddevice providing an indication would be providing, on its display, amessage indicating proximity exists along with an option to initiatetransfer.

At 204A, the network provides a call connection to the second device. At206A, the network duplicates the communication to the second device. Theduplication of communication which may occur accomplishes, from theuser's perspective, a substantially uninterrupted call as transfer isaccomplished. This may be advantageous as the user's attention need notmove instantaneously from the first to second device.

At 208A, the network attenuates communication to the first device,(while possibly enhancing communication to the second device). Graduallyattenuating communication with the first device may include graduallyreducing a volume of the communication with the first device. Graduallyenhancing communication with the second device may include graduallyincreasing the volume of communication with the second device.

In a second scenario, at 210A the communication takes place between thenetwork and the second device. At 211A, transfer of the call which isactive on the second device is initiated (transfer to occur to the firstdevice). Transfer may be initiated automatically when the second deviceis no longer proximate with the first device (and thus presumably, thefirst device and its user have moved away from the second device).Alternatively, the user may operate a control on the first or seconddevice to initiate transfer.

At 212A, the network provides a call connection to the first device. At214A, the network duplicates the communication to the first device. At216A, communication to the second device is attenuated (while possiblyenhancing communication to the first device).

The network may be actively involved in accomplishing the call transferin the above scenarios. Alternatively, in some embodiments, the networkmay be unaware that a call transfer is occurring. In those embodiments,all and/or part of logic to accomplish the call transfer, includingduplicating and enhancing or attenuating communications as indicated,may be performed by elements other than the network. For example, thefirst device might act as a pass-through for communications with thesecond device.

FIG. 3A is an action-flow diagram of an embodiment of the partialcommunication transfer process. At 302A, communication takes placebetween the first device and the network. At 301A, the first devicemoves proximate to the second device, and/or the user of the firstdevice operates a control of the first and/or second devices.

At 304A, the network provides a call connection to the second device.

At 306A, one or more particular data types occurring within the call tothe first device are duplicated to the second device. This duplicationmay be performed wholly or in part by logic within the network, as isshown in FIG. 3A.

Alternatively, in other embodiments, the network may not participate induplication of a portion of the call to the first device. For example,the first device may act as a conduit for specific call information tothe second device, without intervention of the network.

Thus, as shown in FIG. 3A, a portion of the call state (for one or moredata types) is duplicated. For example, if the second device hasspeakers, sounds which are sent to the first device may be expressedthrough the speakers of the second device. For this same call, othertypes of communication, such as inbound text messages, may still occurthrough the first device.

As a second example, if the second device were a television, sounds andimages destined for the first device might be duplicated or expressed onthe television. For this same call, images which include text mightadditionally be expressed on the first device, where data entry wouldoccur.

To accomplish partial call transfer for a particular data type or types,the effecting computing elements (e.g. processor(s) and logic of thefirst device, and/or second device, and/or network) may detect the datatype of communication data. Examples of a data type of communicationinclude voice, video, data file, or music.

Additionally, the capabilities of the proximate device for rendering thedata type may be recognized. Examples include facilities for displayingimages, playing video, and/or playing sound or music.

Accomplishing a partial call transfer may include maintainingcommunication with the first device of data not having the selected datatype(s), and transferring data having the selected data type(s) to theproximate device.

At 308A, the network attenuates communication of the data type (forexample, sounds) to the first device. In other embodiments, aspreviously indicated, attenuation may be performed by the first (orsecond) devices without involvement by the network.

In another scenario, at 308A communication occurs to the first device.At 309A, proximity and/or user manipulation of a control on the firstand/or second device results in initiation of a partial call transfer.At 310A, a connection occurs to the second device as a result of thisinitiation. At 312A, the network and/or other computing elementsduplicates communication of particular application data to the seconddevice (e.g. duplicates data to the second device for which there is awell-suited application of the second device). For example, if thesecond device were a computer having a media player application, and thefirst a cellular phone, it might be recognized that electronic videomessages are well suited to be handled on the second device.

To accomplish partial call transfer for data associated with aparticular application, applications associated with particularcommunication data may be recognized. Examples of likely applicationsinclude a chat application, a messaging application, a game application,a video application, an image processing application, a musicapplication, or an audio application.

Additionally, some of the capabilities of a proximate device may berecognized, possibly including identification of the capability toprovide certain applications.

Additionally, device states and data may be maintained and communicatedto accomplish a substantially uninterrupted transfer to the proximatedevice of data associated with the application. For example, fileattachments associated with an email message may be transferred alongwith ongoing communications.

At 314A, the network attenuates communication of the application data tothe first device and possibly enhances communication of the applicationdata to the second device.

As mentioned before, in other embodiments this functionality may beaccomplished without the involvement of network logic, e.g. the firstdevice acts as a conduit of the data type(s) to the second device.

FIG. 4A is a block diagram of an embodiment of a communicationenvironment.

Within the communications environment, a first device 112A comprises adisplay 408A, an audio input 406A, a processor 402A, and memory 404A.

Another device 102A comprises a keyboard 410A, a camera 416A, andpointing device 412A (e.g. mouse) inputs. The device 102A also comprisesa microphone 118A, a display 104A, and earphones 106A.

In some embodiments, the user of the first device 112A may wear a device405A, which may be used, at least in part, to detect proximity betweenthe first device 112A and the second device 102A. Examples of a device405A which may be worn comprise a BlueTooth medallion, a watch, or adevice incorporated into jewelry or clothing.

Proximity detection may comprise detecting more than one proximatedevice. For example, in the embodiment of FIG. 4A, the mobile device112A, the television 110A, and the device 102A may be detected as beingin proximity to one another.

Proximity detection may comprise detecting more than one mobile devicein an environment. For example, a mobile device such as 112A could bedetected, and additionally, a notebook computer and portable musicplayer could be detected.

The proximity detection function may be incorporated into the firstdevice 112A, second device 102A, or both, or may take place via aseparate device such as the wearable device 405A.

The wearable device 405A may incorporate additional functionality inaddition to proximity detection, such that functionality (logic) tofacilitate various acts described herein in conjunction with the firstand second devices 112A and 102A, respectively. For example, a watch ormedallion may incorporate cellular telephone features, data processingfunctionality, and proximity detection functionality. Thus, in someembodiments the device 405A could take the place of the first device112A.

Several of devices 112A, 102A, and 405A may incorporate a portion or allof the proximity detection function, and at least one (not necessarilythe same one(s)) may accomplish this functionality at various times. Thedevice(s) used for proximity detection may also be used to detect lossof proximity.

When one device detects proximity with another device, the presence ofan active call on one of the devices may also be ascertained as part ofor along with proximity detection.

For example, call transfer to a second device 102A from a first device112A may begin with detection of proximity between the devices andascertaining that the first device 102A has an active call.

Providing a substantially uninterrupted transfer of a call may comprisesubstantially duplicating at least a portion of the state of thetransferred call onto the target device. For example, if the call is onhold on the first device, the call may also be placed on hold on thesecond device once transferred.

Various events may trigger the call transfer process. For example, calltransfer may be provided, at least in part, in response to motion of thefirst device 112A toward the second device 102A. Call transfer may beprovided, at least in part, in response to orienting the first device112A toward the second device 102A. Call transfer may be provided, atleast in part, if the second device 102A has capabilities superior tothe first device 112A to render information of the call. Call transfermay be provided, at least in part, upon detection of indications that auser of the first device 112A has shifted to using the second device102A. Such indications that a user of the first device 112A has shiftedto using the second device 102A include detecting that the second device102A (when mobile) is moving away from the first device 112A, or viceversa.

Activity of the second device 102A might also indicate that usage hasshifted. Such activity may include I/O activity on the second device102A. Detecting I-O activity on a communications device 102A may includedetecting I-O activity other than actions to explicitly cause a transferof the call. Such I/O activity may include such things as adjustment ofa visual display control, adjustment of an audio input or outputcontrol, adjustment of a video input or output control, a keyboardevent, or use of a mouse or other pointing device.

In some embodiments, the first device 112A may continue to monitoraspects of the call after the call is transferred to the second device102A (or multiple devices). This monitoring may include the first device112A recording call information after the call has been transferred.

Providing a substantially uninterrupted transfer of a call may includetransferring selected parties of the call to the second device. Selectedparties to the call may include parties selected by a user, selectedchannels of the call, and/or parties selected according to rulescomprised by at least one of the first and second devices. Selectedparties to the call may include parties and/or channels of the callselected according to applications of and/or capabilities of the seconddevice. For example, selected parties to the call may include partiesthat are instant messaging chat participants, because the second deviceis better suited (e.g. larger keyboard, larger screen) to supporting aninstant messaging application. Selected parties to the call may includeparties that are participants in a voice conference call, for example,because the second device is better suited (e.g. superior microphone andspeaker) to supporting a voice conferencing application. Selectedparties to the call may include parties that are participants in a videoconference call, for example, because the second device is better suitedto supporting a video conferencing application.

An active call may be transferred, at least in part, to a second device102A already having an existing (different) active call. At least aportion of the call on the first device 112A may be merged with theexisting call on the second device 102A. Merging may include mergingvoice data of the call to the first device 112A with non-voice,non-video data of the existing call of the second device 102A. Mergingmay include merging voice data of the call to the first device 112A withvideo data of the existing call. Merging may include merging the call ofthe first device 112A and the existing call into a voice and/or videoconference call.

The information communicated via the call on the first device 112A maybe adjusted when transferred according to at least one of I/O,processing, data processing application, or communication capabilitiesof the second device 102A. Adjusting the information communicated viathe call may include adjusting the bandwidth of the call, increasing theresolution of video information of the call, and/or increasing thefidelity and/or number of channels of audio information of the call.Adjusting the information of the call may include adding videoinformation to the call, adding non-audio, non-video data to the call.

The manner in which the information of the call is presented to a usermay also be adjusted according to at least one of I/O, processing, dataprocessing application, or communication capabilities of the seconddevice 102A. Adjusting the presentation of information of the call mayinclude adjusting video and/or image presentation dimensions to fit adisplay of the second device 102A, adjusting audio fidelity and/ornumber of channels according to the audio rendering capabilities of thesecond device 102A, and/or activating at least one data processingapplication of the second device 102A to process information of thecall.

The second device 102A may be enabled to control at least some aspectsof the call (or portion or portions thereof) transferred from the firstdevice 112A. Enabling the second device 102A to control at least someaspects of the call of the first device 112A may include providing anemulation of controls of the first device on the second device.Emulation 414A of at least some control aspects of the first device 112Amay be presented on a display 104A of the second device 102A. Emulationmay comprise providing via the second device 102A at least a portion ofa user interface of the first device 112A. Emulating a portion of a userinterface may include emulating buttons or other controls of the firstdevice 112A on a graphical user interface (GUI) of the second device102A, e.g. providing a picture, image, or other reproduction of at leastpart of the first device 112A on a GUI of the second device 102A.

Enabling the second device 102A to control at least some aspects of thecall of the first device 112A may include enabling control of the callof the first device 112A via voice commands to the second device 102A,enabling control of the call to the first device 112A via gestures tothe second device 102A, controlling connection and/or disconnection ofthe call of the first device 112A, enabling control of the status of thecall of the first device 112A, and/or enabling control of data recordingfeatures of the call of the first device 112A.

In response to transfer of the call to the second device 102A ordevices, one or more parts of the first device 112A may be placed into asleep mode. Placing at least a part of the first device 112A into asleep mode may include decreasing power consumption of at least a partof the first device 112A, for example, by dimming or disabling a visualdisplay of the device 112A, reducing the clock rate of and/or disablinga processor and/or a processor bus of the device 112A, reducing theclock rate of and/or disabling a memory bus and/or communication bus ofthe device 112A, reducing power consumption of an audio system componentof the device 112A, reducing power consumption of a memory controllerand/or memory interface of the device 112A, and/or reducing the powerconsumption of a communication controller and/or communication interfaceof the device 112A.

Power consumption of at least a part of the first device 112A may befurther reduced if the call is discontinued or if the second device 102Aloses proximity with the first device 112A. In some embodiments, asubstantially uninterrupted transfer of at least a portion of the callmay occur to the second device 102A and transfer of at least a portionof the call may occur to a third device 110A. Providing a transfer ofthe call to multiple target devices may include selecting which deviceto transfer a portion or portions of the call to according to the targetdevice capabilities, user selections of the devices, a type ofinformation in the portion or portions of the call (e.g. is it audio orvideo), selecting one or more of the target devices according to thedata processing application or applications available on the targetdevice(s) (e.g. does the target device support instant messaging, chat,spreadsheets, word processing, and so on), and/or according to rulescomprised by at least one of the first 112A, second 102A, and third 110Adevices (or more).

In some embodiments, a call may be transferred back to the first device112A from one or more of the devices 102A, 110A to which the call wasfirst transferred. The call may be transferred back to the first device112A in response to the first device 112A moving away from the seconddevice 102A and/or additional devices 110A. The call may be transferredback as a result of indications that the user has shifted back to usingthe original communicating device 112A. I/O activity of the first device112A and/or other devices may be monitored to determine if transfer backto the first device 112A should occur. Some or all of the call transferfeatures described herein for the original transfer of the call may beprovided for the transfer of the call back to the first device 112A. Forexample, selected parties of the call may be transferred back to thefirst device 112A, the second 102A or multiple devices may continue tomonitor the status/duration of the call after transfer back, thetransfer back may occur for a particular data type of the call and/oraccording to capabilities/applications of the first device 112A, and soon.

FIG. 5A is an action flow diagram of an embodiment of a communicationtransfer process. Upon transfer of the call to the second device, theall or portions of the first device may sleep at 503A, e.g. enter areduced power state. The first device may at 504A continue to monitor asleast some aspects of the call transferred to the second device. Thefirst device may wake at 506A upon detecting that the user's attentionhas returned to the first device.

FIG. 6A is an action flow diagram of an embodiment of a partialcommunication transfer process. At 302A, a first device communicateswith a base station or network. One or more of the data types within thecommunication are identified. Examples of data type of communicationdata include voice, video, data file, or music. At 304A, a connection isestablished to a second device. A portion of the communication to thefirst device, having a first data type, is transferred to the seconddevice at 604A. The second device has been identified as a proximatedevice capable of rendering the first data type. Examples of renderingthe data type include at least one of displaying images, playing videoor playing sound or music.

Selecting a proximate device to render or process communications datamay include identifying an application, provided by that device, whichcan process the data. Examples of identifying an application associatedwith communication data include at least one of a chat application,messaging application, game application, video application, imageprocessing application, music application, or audio application.

At 602A communication is established to a third device. A portion of thecommunication to the first device, having a second data type, istransferred to the third device at 606A. The third device has beenidentified as a proximate device capable of rendering the second datatype. At 608A, communication to the first device is attenuated for thefirst data type. At 610A, communication to the first device isattenuated for the second data type.

Providing a substantially uninterrupted transfer of the communicationsdata in a call may mean maintaining communications with the first devicefor those data types and applications not supported by the proximatedevices, and transferring to a second or additional devicescommunications for particular data type associated with particularapplications/capabilities which are supported by the proximate devices.

Those having skill in the art will appreciate that there are variousvehicles by which processes and/or systems described herein can beeffected (e.g., hardware, software, and/or firmware, collectively,logic), and that the preferred vehicle will vary with the context inwhich the processes are deployed. For example, if an implementerdetermines that speed and accuracy are paramount, the implementer mayopt for a hardware and/or firmware vehicle; alternatively, ifflexibility is paramount, the implementer may opt for a solely softwareimplementation; or, yet again alternatively, the implementer may opt forsome combination of hardware, software, and/or firmware. Hence, thereare several possible vehicles by which the processes described hereinmay be effected, none of which is inherently superior to the other inthat any vehicle to be utilized is a choice dependent upon the contextin which the vehicle will be deployed and the specific concerns (e.g.,speed, flexibility, or predictability) of the implementer, any of whichmay vary. Those skilled in the art will recognize that optical aspectsof implementations will require optically-oriented hardware, software,and or firmware.

The foregoing detailed description has set forth various embodiments ofthe devices and/or processes via the use of block diagrams, flowcharts,and/or examples. Insofar as such block diagrams, flowcharts, and/orexamples contain one or more functions and/or operations, it will beunderstood as notorious by those within the art that each functionand/or operation within such block diagrams, flowcharts, or examples canbe implemented, individually and/or collectively, by a wide range ofhardware, software, firmware, or virtually any combination thereof.Several portions of the subject matter subject matter described herein,may be implemented via forms of logic including Application SpecificIntegrated Circuits (ASICs), Field Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGAs),digital signal processors (DSPs), or other integrated formats. However,those skilled in the art will recognize that some aspects of theembodiments disclosed herein, in whole or in part, can be equivalentlyimplemented using forms of logic including integrated circuits, as oneor more computer programs running on one or more computers (e.g., as oneor more programs running on one or more computer systems), as one ormore programs running on one or more processors (e.g., as one or moreprograms running on one or more microprocessors), as firmware, or asvirtually any combination thereof, and that designing the circuitryand/or writing the code for the software and/or firmware would be wellwithin the skill of one of skill in the art in light of this disclosure.In addition, those skilled in the art will appreciate that themechanisms of the subject matter described herein are capable of beingdistributed as a program product in a variety of forms, and that anillustrative embodiment of the subject matter described herein appliesequally regardless of the particular type of signal bearing media usedto actually carry out the distribution. Examples of a signal bearingmedia include, but are not limited to, the following: recordable typemedia such as floppy disks, hard disk drives, CD ROMs, digital tape, andcomputer memory; and transmission type media such as digital and analogcommunication links using TDM or IP based communication links (e.g.,packet links).

In a general sense, those skilled in the art will recognize that thevarious aspects described herein which can be implemented, individuallyand/or collectively, by logic including a wide range of hardware,software, firmware, or any combination thereof which can be viewed asbeing composed of various types of “electrical circuitry.” Consequently,as used herein “electrical circuitry” includes, but is not limited to,electrical circuitry having at least one discrete electrical circuit,electrical circuitry having at least one integrated circuit, electricalcircuitry having at least one application specific integrated circuit,electrical circuitry forming a general purpose computing deviceconfigured by a computer program (e.g., a general purpose computerconfigured by a computer program which at least partially carries outprocesses and/or devices described herein, or a microprocessorconfigured by a computer program which at least partially carries outprocesses and/or devices described herein), electrical circuitry forminga memory device (e.g., forms of random access memory), and/or electricalcircuitry forming a communications device (e.g., a modem, communicationsswitch, or optical-electrical equipment).

Those skilled in the art will recognize that it is common within the artto describe devices and/or processes in the fashion set forth herein,and thereafter use standard engineering practices to integrate suchdescribed devices and/or processes into larger systems. That is, atleast a portion of the devices and/or processes described herein can beintegrated into a network processing system via a reasonable amount ofexperimentation.

The foregoing described aspects depict different components containedwithin, or connected with, different other components. It is to beunderstood that such depicted architectures are merely exemplary, andthat in fact many other architectures can be implemented which achievethe same functionality. In a conceptual sense, any arrangement ofcomponents to achieve the same functionality is effectively “associated”such that the desired functionality is achieved. Hence, any twocomponents herein combined to achieve a particular functionality can beseen as “associated with” each other such that the desired functionalityis achieved, irrespective of architectures or intermedial components.Likewise, any two components so associated can also be viewed as being“operably connected”, or “operably coupled”, to each other to achievethe desired functionality.

Unless the context clearly requires otherwise, throughout thedescription and the claims, the words “comprise,” “comprising,” and thelike, are to be construed in an inclusive sense as opposed to anexclusive or exhaustive sense. Or in other words, for the purposes of“including, but not limited to.” Words using the singular or pluralnumber also include the plural or singular number respectively.Additionally, the words “herein,” “above,” “below” and words of similarimport, when used in this application, shall refer to this applicationas a whole and not to any particular portions of this applicationseparately. When the claims use the word “or” in reference to a list oftwo or more items, that word covers all of the following interpretationsof the word: any of the items in the list, all of the items in the listand any combination of the items in the list.

III. Transfer then Sleep

The invention will now be described with respect to various embodiments.The following description provides specific details for a thoroughunderstanding of, and enabling description for, these embodiments of theinvention. However, one skilled in the art will understand that theinvention may be practiced without these details. In other instances,well known structures and functions have not been shown or described indetail to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the description of theembodiments of the invention. References to “one embodiment” or “anembodiment” do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment, althoughthey may.

FIG. 1B is a block diagram of a communication environment. The wirelesscommunication device 112B provides wireless communication of signals toand from other devices. Examples of a wireless communication deviceinclude a cellular telephone 112B, a wireless telephone handset 116B, apersonal digital assistant, and/or a laptop computer. The wirelesscommunication device 112B may transmit and receive analog and/or digitalsignals representing human voices. The wireless communication device112B may also transmit and receive various forms of non-voice data.

The wireless communication device 112B exchanges signals with thenetwork 114B, either directly or via one or more antennas 108B of aco-located wireless base station 106B.

The exchange of signals between the wireless device 112B and the network114B may result in the establishment of a call, whereby the device usermay obtain and/or provide voice and/or non-voice information withanother person and/or with a computing device. For example, twoindividuals may engage in a conversation using their cellulartelephones, such as device 112B. Or, a user of device 112B may interactwith a computing device to obtain his electronic mail.

The communication environment may comprise a desktop computer 102B,which in turn may comprise a display 104B and/or speakers 106B.Alternatively or additionally, some environments may include, forexample, a laptop computer or a terminal interface to a central sharedcomputing resource.

The display 104B provides for the display of visual information such astext, images, windows, menus, icons, and video. In some embodiments, thedisplay 104B comprises cathode ray tube technology. In otherembodiments, the display 104B comprises flat screen technology.

The speakers 106B provide rendering (e.g., playing) of audioinformation. In some embodiments, the speakers 106B comprise headphones.In other embodiments stand-alone and/or built-in speakers 106B may beused.

A microphone 118B converts sounds to audio information. In someembodiments, the microphone 118B is built into the computing device. Themicrophone 118B may also be integrated with the headset or may comprisea stand alone wired or wireless microphone. There may be more than onemicrophone 118B within the communications environment.

While the first communications device 112B is engaged in a call,proximity with a second communication device may be detected. Examplesof a second communication device include a desktop computer 102B, alaptop, a computer, a television 110B, or a wireless telephone handset116B, to name just a few possibilities. The logic to detect proximitybetween two communication devices may reside within the first device112B, within the second device 102B, 110B, or 116B, within the network114B, and/or within combinations of these and/or other devices. Whenused herein, logic may include circuitry and/or instructions storedwithin a memory which effects the indicated actions.

Detecting a second device 102B, 110B or 116B may include detecting awireless signal communicated by the second device 102B, 110B, or 116B.Detecting a wireless signal communicated by the second device 102B,110B, or 116B may include detecting an infrared signal, and/or applyingBluetooth communications between the first 112B and second 102B, 110B,or 116B devices.

Detecting a second communication device 102B, 110B, or 116B in proximityto a first communication device 112B engaged in a call may includeidentifying the second device 102B, 110B, or 116B visually, e.g. fromone or more images captured by the first 112B or second devices 102B,110B, 116B.

Detecting a second communication device 102B, 110B, or 116B in proximityto a first communication device 112B engaged in a call may includedetecting that the first device 112B is in a physical area, anddetecting that the second device 102B, 110B, or 116B is also in thearea.

Detecting a second communication device 102B, 110B, or 116B in proximityto a first communication device 112B engaged in a call may includeapplying wireless communication between a third communication device andthe second communication device 102B, 110B or 116B. The third device andthe second device 102B, 110B or 116B may communicate using Bluetoothtechnology. The third device may be carried by a user of the firstcommunications device 112B. For example, the third device may be aBluetooth-capable medallion worn by the user of the first communicationsdevice 112B.

When a second communications device 102B, 110B, or 116B is detected tobe in proximity to the first communications device 112B which is engagedin a call, the call may be transferred in a substantially uninterruptedmanner from the first device 112B to the second device 102B, 110B, or116B. Providing substantially uninterrupted transfer of the call to thesecond device 102B, 110B, or 116B may include identifying the seconddevice 102B, 110B, or 116B to a network 114B by which the call isprovided. The network 114B may substantially duplicate the call to thesecond device 102B, 110B, or 116B. The logic to accomplish the transferof the call may reside within the network 114B or within somecombination of the network and other devices, such as, for example, thefirst device 112B.

In some embodiments, after proximity is detected between the firstdevice 112B and the second device 102B, 110B, or 116B, transfer mayoccur automatically. Transfer may also occur after user manipulation ofa control on the first device 112B. Controls of the first device 112Bmay include at least one button, lever, dial, touch-sensitive area,switch, or voice command control. For example, the user may be providedwith an option on the device's 112B display which, if selected, mayinitiate call transfer.

Alternatively, transfer may occur after user manipulation of a controlon the second device 102B, 110B, or 116B. For example, if the seconddevice is a computer 102B, its display may show an option which, ifselected, may initiate call transfer. In some embodiments, the call maybe transferred in response to motion of the first device toward thesecond device. In some embodiments, the call may be transferred inresponse to orienting the first device toward the second device.

In some embodiments, after the call has been transferred to the seconddevice 102B, 110B, or 116B, it may be transferred in a substantiallyuninterrupted manner back to the first device 112B. The transfer back tothe first device 112B may in some embodiments occur automatically. As anexample, automatic transfer back to the first device 112B may occur whenthe first device 112B is moved out of proximity with the second device102B, 110B, or 116B. The transfer back to the first device 112B may alsooccur as a result of user manipulation of a control on the first device112B or on the second device 102B, 110B, or 116B.

Transferring the call from the first device 112B to the second device102B, 110B, or 116B may include terminating the call from theperspective of the first device 112B. In some embodiments, transferringthe call includes terminating the call to the first device 112B from theperspective of the network 114B. If a second call is received, thesecond call may automatically or under user control also be transferredto the second device 102B, 110B, or 116B.

In some embodiments, communications to the first 112B and second 102B,110B, or 116B devices may be routed through a central premise device,such as the base station 106B.

In some embodiments, communications to the second device 102B, 110B, or116B may be routed through the first device 112B.

In some embodiments where a central premise device 106B or the firstdevice 112B provides the interface to the second device 102B, 110B, or116B, the network 114B and its logic may not be involved inaccomplishing the call transfer. In that situation, the call, from thestandpoint of the network 114B, may still be ongoing with the firstdevice 112B.

In some embodiments, although the call has been transferred to thesecond device 102B, 110B, or 116B, the user may be able to perform somecontrol functions with respect to the call by manipulating controls onthe first device 112B. For example, the user may be able to terminatethe call by manipulating a control on the first device 112B.

In some embodiments, the user will additionally or alternatively be ableto perform some control functions with respect to the call bymanipulating controls on the second device 102B, 110B, or 116B.

FIG. 2B is an action flow diagram of an embodiment of a communicationtransfer process initiated by action of the first device. At 202B,communication takes place between the first device and the network. At201B, transfer of the call which is active on the first device isinitiated (e.g., transfer to occur to the second device). Transfer maybe initiated automatically when the first device becomes proximate withthe second device. Alternatively and/or in conjunction with proximity,the user may operate a control on the first device and/or second deviceto initiate transfer.

In some embodiments, the user may operate a control in response toeither/both the first or second device providing an indication that acall transfer is available. The device in most embodiments would providethis indication after proximity has been detected. Examples of the firstdevice providing an indication that a call transfer is available,include the first device providing at least one touch screen selection,activating a light emitting diode or other visual indication, and/orproviding a tone or other audible indication. An example of the seconddevice providing an indication would be providing, on its display, amessage indicating proximity exists along with an option to initiatetransfer.

At 204B, the network provides a call connection to the second device. At206B, the network duplicates the communication to the second device. Theduplication of communication which may occur accomplishes, from theuser's perspective, a substantially uninterrupted call as transfer isaccomplished. This may be advantageous as the user's attention need notmove instantaneously from the first to second device.

At 208B, the network attenuates communication to the first device,(while possibly enhancing communication to the second device). Graduallyattenuating communication with the first device may include graduallyreducing a volume of the communication with the first device. Graduallyenhancing communication with the second device may include graduallyincreasing the volume of communication with the second device.

In a second scenario, at 210B the communication takes place between thenetwork and the second device. At 211B, transfer of the call which isactive on the second device is initiated (transfer to occur to the firstdevice). Transfer may be initiated automatically when the second deviceis no longer proximate with the first device (and thus presumably, thefirst device and its user have moved away from the second device).Alternatively, the user may operate a control on the first or seconddevice to initiate transfer.

At 212B, the network provides a call connection to the first device. At214B, the network duplicates the communication to the first device. At216B, communication to the second device is attenuated (while possiblyenhancing communication to the first device).

The network may be actively involved in accomplishing the call transferin the above scenarios. Alternatively, in some embodiments, the networkmay be unaware that a call transfer is occurring. In those embodiments,all and/or part of logic to accomplish the call transfer, includingduplicating and enhancing or attenuating communications as indicated,may be performed by elements other than the network. For example, thefirst device might act as a pass-through for communications with thesecond device.

FIG. 3B is an action-flow diagram of an embodiment of the partialcommunication transfer process. At 302B, communication takes placebetween the first device and the network. At 301B, the first devicemoves proximate to the second device, and/or the user of the firstdevice operates a control of the first and/or second devices.

At 304B, the network provides a call connection to the second device.

At 306B, one or more particular data types occurring within the call tothe first device are duplicated to the second device. This duplicationmay be performed wholly or in part by logic within the network, as isshown in FIG. 3B.

Alternatively, in other embodiments, the network may not participate induplication of a portion of the call to the first device. For example,the first device may act as a conduit for specific call information tothe second device, without intervention of the network.

Thus, as shown in FIG. 3B, a portion of the call state (for one or moredata types) is duplicated. For example, if the second device hasspeakers, sounds which are sent to the first device may be expressedthrough the speakers of the second device. For this same call, othertypes of communication, such as inbound text messages, may still occurthrough the first device.

As a second example, if the second device were a television, sounds andimages destined for the first device might be duplicated or expressed onthe television. For this same call, images which include text mightadditionally be expressed on the first device, where data entry wouldoccur.

To accomplish partial call transfer for a particular data type or types,the effecting computing elements (e.g. processor(s) and logic of thefirst device, and/or second device, and/or network) may detect the datatype of communication data. Examples of a data type of communicationinclude voice, video, data file, or music.

Additionally, the capabilities of the proximate device for rendering thedata type may be recognized. Examples include facilities for displayingimages, playing video, and/or playing sound or music.

Accomplishing a partial call transfer may include maintainingcommunication with the first device of data not having the selected datatype(s), and transferring data having the selected data type(s) to theproximate device.

At 308B, the network attenuates communication of the data type (forexample, sounds) to the first device. In other embodiments, aspreviously indicated, attenuation may be performed by the first (orsecond) devices without involvement by the network.

In another scenario, at 308B communication occurs to the first device.At 309B, proximity and/or user manipulation of a control on the firstand/or second device results in initiation of a partial call transfer.At 310B, a connection occurs to the second device as a result of thisinitiation. At 312B, the network and/or other computing elementsduplicates communication of particular application data to the seconddevice (e.g. duplicates data to the second device for which there is awell-suited application of the second device). For example, if thesecond device were a computer having a media player application, and thefirst a cellular phone, it might be recognized that electronic videomessages are well suited to be handled on the second device.

To accomplish partial call transfer for data associated with aparticular application, applications associated with particularcommunication data may be recognized. Examples of likely applicationsinclude a chat application, a messaging application, a game application,a video application, an image processing application, a musicapplication, or an audio application.

Additionally, some of the capabilities of a proximate device may berecognized, possibly including identification of the capability toprovide certain applications.

Additionally, device states and data may be maintained and communicatedto accomplish a substantially uninterrupted transfer to the proximatedevice of data associated with the application. For example, fileattachments associated with an email message may be transferred alongwith ongoing communications.

At 314B, the network attenuates communication of the application data tothe first device and possibly enhances communication of the applicationdata to the second device.

As mentioned before, in other embodiments this functionality may beaccomplished without the involvement of network logic, e.g. the firstdevice acts as a conduit of the data type(s) to the second device.

FIG. 4B is a block diagram of an embodiment of a communicationenvironment.

Within the communications environment, a first device 112B comprises adisplay 408B, an audio input 406B, a processor 402B, and memory 404B.

Another device 102B comprises a keyboard 410B, a camera 416B, andpointing device 412B (e.g. mouse) inputs. The device 102B also comprisesa microphone 118B, a display 104B, and earphones 106B.

In some embodiments, the user of the first device 112B may wear a device405B, which may be used, at least in part, to detect proximity betweenthe first device 112B and the second device 102B. Examples of a device405B which may be worn comprise a BlueTooth medallion, a watch, or adevice incorporated into jewelry or clothing.

Proximity detection may comprise detecting more than one proximatedevice. For example, in the embodiment of FIG. 4B, the mobile device112B, the television 110B, and the device 102B may be detected as beingin proximity to one another.

Proximity detection may comprise detecting more than one mobile devicein an environment. For example, a mobile device such as 112B could bedetected, and additionally, a notebook computer and portable musicplayer could be detected.

The proximity detection function may be incorporated into the firstdevice 112B, second device 102B, or both, or may take place via aseparate device such as the wearable device 405B.

The wearable device 405B may incorporate additional functionality inaddition to proximity detection, such that functionality (logic) tofacilitate various acts described herein in conjunction with the firstand second devices 112B and 102B, respectively. For example, a watch ormedallion may incorporate cellular telephone features, data processingfunctionality, and proximity detection functionality. Thus, in someembodiments the device 405B could take the place of the first device112B.

Several of devices 112B, 102B, and 405B may incorporate a portion or allof the proximity detection function, and at least one (not necessarilythe same one(s)) may accomplish this functionality at various times. Thedevice(s) used for proximity detection may also be used to detect lossof proximity.

When one device detects proximity with another device, the presence ofan active call on one of the devices may also be ascertained as part ofor along with proximity detection.

For example, call transfer to a second device 102B from a first device112B may begin with detection of proximity between the devices andascertaining that the first device 102B has an active call.

Providing a substantially uninterrupted transfer of a call may comprisesubstantially duplicating at least a portion of the state of thetransferred call onto the target device. For example, if the call is onhold on the first device, the call may also be placed on hold on thesecond device once transferred.

Various events may trigger the call transfer process. For example, calltransfer may be provided, at least in part, in response to motion of thefirst device 112B toward the second device 102B. Call transfer may beprovided, at least in part, in response to orienting the first device112B toward the second device 102B. Call transfer may be provided, atleast in part, if the second device 102B has capabilities superior tothe first device 112B to render information of the call. Call transfermay be provided, at least in part, upon detection of indications that auser of the first device 112B has shifted to using the second device102B. Such indications that a user of the first device 112B has shiftedto using the second device 102B include detecting that the second device102B (when mobile) is moving away from the first device 112B, orvice-versa.

Activity of the second device 102B might also indicate that usage hasshifted. Such activity may include I/O activity on the second device102B. Detecting I-O activity on a communications device 102B may includedetecting I-O activity other than actions to explicitly cause a transferof the call. Such I/O activity may include such things as adjustment ofa visual display control, adjustment of an audio input or outputcontrol, adjustment of a video input or output control, a keyboardevent, or use of a mouse or other pointing device.

In some embodiments, the first device 112B may continue to monitoraspects of the call after the call is transferred to the second device102B (or multiple devices). This monitoring may include the first device112B recording call information after the call has been transferred.

Providing a substantially uninterrupted transfer of a call may includetransferring selected parties of the call to the second device. Selectedparties to the call may include parties selected by a user, selectedchannels of the call, and/or parties selected according to rulescomprised by at least one of the first and second devices. Selectedparties to the call may include parties and/or channels of the callselected according to applications of and/or capabilities of the seconddevice. For example, selected parties to the call may include partiesthat are instant messaging chat participants, because the second deviceis better suited (e.g. larger keyboard, larger screen) to supporting aninstant messaging application. Selected parties to the call may includeparties that are participants in a voice conference call, for example,because the second device is better suited (e.g. superior microphone andspeaker) to supporting a voice conferencing application. Selectedparties to the call may include parties that are participants in a videoconference call, for example, because the second device is better suitedto supporting a video conferencing application.

An active call may be transferred, at least in part, to a second device102B already having an existing (different) active call. At least aportion of the call on the first device 112B may be merged with theexisting call on the second device 102B. Merging may include mergingvoice data of the call to the first device 112B with non-voice,non-video data of the existing call of the second device 102B. Mergingmay include merging voice data of the call to the first device 112B withvideo data of the existing call. Merging may include merging the call ofthe first device 112B and the existing call into a voice and/or videoconference call.

The information communicated via the call on the first device 112B maybe adjusted when transferred according to at least one of I/O,processing, data processing application, or communication capabilitiesof the second device 102B. Adjusting the information communicated viathe call may include adjusting the bandwidth of the call, increasing theresolution of video information of the call, and/or increasing thefidelity and/or number of channels of audio information of the call.Adjusting the information of the call may include adding videoinformation to the call, adding non-audio, non-video data to the call.

The manner in which the information of the call is presented to a usermay also be adjusted according to at least one of I/O, processing, dataprocessing application, or communication capabilities of the seconddevice 102B. Adjusting the presentation of information of the call mayinclude adjusting video and/or image presentation dimensions to fit adisplay of the second device 102B, adjusting audio fidelity and/ornumber of channels according to the audio rendering capabilities of thesecond device 102B, and/or activating at least one data processingapplication of the second device 102B to process information of thecall.

The second device 102B may be enabled to control at least some aspectsof the call (or portion or portions thereof) transferred from the firstdevice 112B. Enabling the second device 102B to control at least someaspects of the call of the first device 112B may include providing anemulation of controls of the first device on the second device.Emulation 414B of at least some control aspects of the first device 112Bmay be presented on a display 104B of the second device 102B. Emulationmay comprise providing via the second device 102B at least a portion ofa user interface of the first device 112B. Emulating a portion of a userinterface may include emulating buttons or other controls of the firstdevice 112B on a graphical user interface (GUI) of the second device102B, e.g. providing a picture, image, or other reproduction of at leastpart of the first device 112B on a GUI of the second device 102B.

Enabling the second device 102B to control at least some aspects of thecall of the first device 112B may include enabling control of the callof the first device 112B via voice commands to the second device 102B,enabling control of the call to the first device 112B via gestures tothe second device 102B, controlling connection and/or disconnection ofthe call of the first device 112B, enabling control of the status of thecall of the first device 112B, and/or enabling control of data recordingfeatures of the call of the first device 112B.

In response to transfer of the call to the second device 102B ordevices, one or more parts of the first device 112B may be placed into asleep mode. Placing at least a part of the first device 112B into asleep mode may include decreasing power consumption of at least a partof the first device 112B, for example, by dimming or disabling a visualdisplay of the device 112B, reducing the clock rate of and/or disablinga processor and/or a processor bus of the device 112B, reducing theclock rate of and/or disabling a memory bus and/or communication bus ofthe device 112B, reducing power consumption of an audio system componentof the device 112B, reducing power consumption of a memory controllerand/or memory interface of the device 112B, and/or reducing the powerconsumption of a communication controller and/or communication interfaceof the device 112B.

Power consumption of at least a part of the first device 112B may befurther reduced if the call is discontinued or if the second device 102Bloses proximity with the first device 112B.

In some embodiments, a substantially uninterrupted transfer of at leasta portion of the call may occur to the second device 102B and transferof at least a portion of the call may occur to a third device 110B.Providing a transfer of the call to multiple target devices may includeselecting which device to transfer a portion or portions of the call toaccording to the target device capabilities, user selections of thedevices, a type of information in the portion or portions of the call(e.g. is it audio or video), selecting one or more of the target devicesaccording to the data processing application or applications availableon the target device(s) (e.g. does the target device support instantmessaging, chat, spreadsheets, word processing, and so on), and/oraccording to rules comprised by at least one of the first 112B, second102B, and third 110B devices (or more).

In some embodiments, a call may be transferred back to the first device112B from one or more of the devices 102B, 110B to which the call wasfirst transferred. The call may be transferred back to the first device11B2 in response to the first device 112B moving away from the seconddevice 102B and/or additional devices 110B. The call may be transferredback as a result of indications that the user has shifted back to usingthe original communicating device 112B. I/O activity of the first device112B and/or other devices may be monitored to determine if transfer backto the first device 112B should occur. Some or all of the call transferfeatures described herein for the original transfer of the call may beprovided for the transfer of the call back to the first device 112B. Forexample, selected parties of the call may be transferred back to thefirst device 112B, the second 102B or multiple devices may continue tomonitor the status/duration of the call after transfer back, thetransfer back may occur for a particular data type of the call and/oraccording to capabilities/applications of the first device 112B, and soon.

FIG. 5B is an action flow diagram of an embodiment of a communicationtransfer process. Upon transfer of the call to the second device, theall or portions of the first device may sleep at 503B, e.g. enter areduced power state. The first device may at 504B continue to monitor asleast some aspects of the call transferred to the second device. Thefirst device may wake at 506B upon detecting that the user's attentionhas returned to the first device.

FIG. 6B is an action flow diagram of an embodiment of a partialcommunication transfer process. At 302B, a first device communicateswith a base station or network. One or more of the data types within thecommunication are identified. Examples of data type of communicationdata include voice, video, data file, or music. At 304B, a connection isestablished to a second device. A portion of the communication to thefirst device, having a first data type, is transferred to the seconddevice at 604B. The second device has been identified as a proximatedevice capable of rendering the first data type. Examples of renderingthe data type include at least one of displaying images, playing videoor playing sound or music.

Selecting a proximate device to render or process communications datamay include identifying an application, provided by that device, whichcan process the data. Examples of identifying an application associatedwith communication data include at least one of a chat application,messaging application, game application, video application, imageprocessing application, music application, or audio application.

At 602B communication is established to a third device. A portion of thecommunication to the first device, having a second data type, istransferred to the third device at 606B. The third device has beenidentified as a proximate device capable of rendering the second datatype. At 608B, communication to the first device is attenuated for thefirst data type. At 610B, communication to the first device isattenuated for the second data type.

Providing a substantially uninterrupted transfer of the communicationsdata in a call may mean maintaining communications with the first devicefor those data types and applications not supported by the proximatedevices, and transferring to a second or additional devicescommunications for particular data type associated with particularapplications/capabilities which are supported by the proximate devices.

Those having skill in the art will appreciate that there are variousvehicles by which processes and/or systems described herein can beeffected (e.g., hardware, software, and/or firmware, collectively,logic), and that the preferred vehicle will vary with the context inwhich the processes are deployed. For example, if an implementerdetermines that speed and accuracy are paramount, the implementer mayopt for a hardware and/or firmware vehicle; alternatively, ifflexibility is paramount, the implementer may opt for a solely softwareimplementation; or, yet again alternatively, the implementer may opt forsome combination of hardware, software, and/or firmware. Hence, thereare several possible vehicles by which the processes described hereinmay be effected, none of which is inherently superior to the other inthat any vehicle to be utilized is a choice dependent upon the contextin which the vehicle will be deployed and the specific concerns (e.g.,speed, flexibility, or predictability) of the implementer, any of whichmay vary. Those skilled in the art will recognize that optical aspectsof implementations will require optically-oriented hardware, software,and or firmware.

The foregoing detailed description has set forth various embodiments ofthe devices and/or processes via the use of block diagrams, flowcharts,and/or examples. Insofar as such block diagrams, flowcharts, and/orexamples contain one or more functions and/or operations, it will beunderstood as notorious by those within the art that each functionand/or operation within such block diagrams, flowcharts, or examples canbe implemented, individually and/or collectively, by a wide range ofhardware, software, firmware, or virtually any combination thereof.Several portions of the subject matter subject matter described herein,may be implemented via forms of logic including Application SpecificIntegrated Circuits (ASICs), Field Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGAs),digital signal processors (DSPs), or other integrated formats. However,those skilled in the art will recognize that some aspects of theembodiments disclosed herein, in whole or in part, can be equivalentlyimplemented using forms of logic including integrated circuits, as oneor more computer programs running on one or more computers (e.g., as oneor more programs running on one or more computer systems), as one ormore programs running on one or more processors (e.g., as one or moreprograms running on one or more microprocessors), as firmware, or asvirtually any combination thereof, and that designing the circuitryand/or writing the code for the software and/or firmware would be wellwithin the skill of one of skill in the art in light of this disclosure.In addition, those skilled in the art will appreciate that themechanisms of the subject matter described herein are capable of beingdistributed as a program product in a variety of forms, and that anillustrative embodiment of the subject matter described herein appliesequally regardless of the particular type of signal bearing media usedto actually carry out the distribution. Examples of a signal bearingmedia include, but are not limited to, the following: recordable typemedia such as floppy disks, hard disk drives, CD ROMs, digital tape, andcomputer memory; and transmission type media such as digital and analogcommunication links using TDM or IP based communication links (e.g.,packet links).

In a general sense, those skilled in the art will recognize that thevarious aspects described herein which can be implemented, individuallyand/or collectively, by logic including a wide range of hardware,software, firmware, or any combination thereof which can be viewed asbeing composed of various types of “electrical circuitry.” Consequently,as used herein “electrical circuitry” includes, but is not limited to,electrical circuitry having at least one discrete electrical circuit,electrical circuitry having at least one integrated circuit, electricalcircuitry having at least one application specific integrated circuit,electrical circuitry forming a general purpose computing deviceconfigured by a computer program (e.g., a general purpose computerconfigured by a computer program which at least partially carries outprocesses and/or devices described herein, or a microprocessorconfigured by a computer program which at least partially carries outprocesses and/or devices described herein), electrical circuitry forminga memory device (e.g., forms of random access memory), and/or electricalcircuitry forming a communications device (e.g., a modem, communicationsswitch, or optical-electrical equipment).

Those skilled in the art will recognize that it is common within the artto describe devices and/or processes in the fashion set forth herein,and thereafter use standard engineering practices to integrate suchdescribed devices and/or processes into larger systems. That is, atleast a portion of the devices and/or processes described herein can beintegrated into a network processing system via a reasonable amount ofexperimentation.

The foregoing described aspects depict different components containedwithin, or connected with, different other components. It is to beunderstood that such depicted architectures are merely exemplary, andthat in fact many other architectures can be implemented which achievethe same functionality. In a conceptual sense, any arrangement ofcomponents to achieve the same functionality is effectively “associated”such that the desired functionality is achieved. Hence, any twocomponents herein combined to achieve a particular functionality can beseen as “associated with” each other such that the desired functionalityis achieved, irrespective of architectures or intermedial components.Likewise, any two components so associated can also be viewed as being“operably connected”, or “operably coupled”, to each other to achievethe desired functionality.

Unless the context clearly requires otherwise, throughout thedescription and the claims, the words “comprise,” “comprising,” and thelike, are to be construed in an inclusive sense as opposed to anexclusive or exhaustive sense. Or in other words, for the purposes of“including, but not limited to.” Words using the singular or pluralnumber also include the plural or singular number respectively.Additionally, the words “herein,” “above,” “below” and words of similarimport, when used in this application, shall refer to this applicationas a whole and not to any particular portions of this applicationseparately. When the claims use the word “or” in reference to a list oftwo or more items, that word covers all of the following interpretationsof the word: any of the items in the list, all of the items in the listand any combination of the items in the list.

IV. Call Transfer to Proximate Devices

Subject matter herein will now be described with respect to variousembodiments. The following description provides specific details for athorough understanding of, and enabling description for the claims.However, one skilled in the art will understand that the subject matterdescribed herein may be practiced without these details. In otherinstances, well known structures and functions have not been shown ordescribed in detail to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the description ofthe embodiments of the subject matter described herein. References to“one embodiment” or “an embodiment” do not necessarily refer to the sameembodiment, although they may.

FIG. 1C is a block diagram of a communication environment. The wirelesscommunication device 112C provides wireless communication of signals toand from other devices. Examples of a wireless communication deviceinclude a cellular telephone 112C, a wireless telephone handset 116C, apersonal digital assistant, and/or a laptop computer. The wirelesscommunication device 112C may transmit and receive analog and/or digitalsignals representing human voices. The wireless communication device112C may also transmit and receive various forms of non-voice data.

The wireless communication device 112C exchanges signals with thenetwork 114C, either directly or via one or more antennas 108C of aco-located wireless base station 106C.

The exchange of signals between the wireless device 112C and the network114C may result in the establishment of a call, whereby the device usermay obtain and/or provide voice and/or non-voice information withanother person and/or with a computing device. For example, twoindividuals may engage in a conversation using their cellulartelephones, such as device 112C. Or, a user of device 112C may interactwith a computing device to obtain his electronic mail.

The communication environment may comprise a desktop computer 102C,which in turn may comprise a display 104C and/or speakers 106C.Alternatively or additionally, some environments may include, forexample, a laptop computer or a terminal interface to a central sharedcomputing resource.

The display 104C provides for the display of visual information such astext, images, windows, menus, icons, and video. In some embodiments, thedisplay 104C comprises cathode ray tube technology. In otherembodiments, the display 104C comprises flat screen technology.

The speakers 106C provide rendering (e.g., playing) of audioinformation. In some embodiments, the speakers 106C comprise headphones.In other embodiments stand-alone and/or built-in speakers 106C may beused.

A microphone 118C converts sounds to audio information. In someembodiments, the microphone 118C is built into the computing device. Themicrophone 118C may also be integrated with the headset or may comprisea stand alone wired or wireless microphone. There may be more than onemicrophone 118C within the communications environment.

While the first communications device 112C is engaged in a call,proximity with a second communication device may be detected. Examplesof a second communication device include a desktop computer 102C, alaptop, a computer, a television 110C, or a wireless telephone handset116C, to name just a few possibilities. The logic to detect proximitybetween two communication devices may reside within the first device112C, within the second device 102C, 110C, or 116C, within the network114C, and/or within combinations of these and/or other devices. Whenused herein, logic may include circuitry and/or instructions storedwithin a memory which effects the indicated actions.

Detecting a second device 102C, 110C or 116C may include detecting awireless signal communicated by the second device 102C, 110C, or 116C.Detecting a wireless signal communicated by the second device 102C,110C, or 116C may include detecting an infrared signal, and/or applyingBluetooth communications between the first 112C and second 102C, 110C,or 116C devices.

Detecting a second communication device 102C, 110C, or 116C in proximityto a first communication device 112C engaged in a call may includeidentifying the second device 102C, 110C, or 116C from one or moreimages captured by the first 112C or second devices 102C, 110C, 116C.

Detecting a second communication device 102C, 110C, or 116C in proximityto a first communication device 112C engaged in a call may includedetecting that the first device 112C is in a physical area, anddetecting that the second device 102C, 110C, or 116C is also in thearea.

Detecting a second communication device 102C, 110C, or 116C in proximityto a first communication device 112C engaged in a call may includeapplying wireless communication between a third communication device andthe second communication device 102C, 110C or 116C. The third device andthe second device 102C, 110C or 116C may communicate using Bluetoothtechnology. The third device may be carried by a user of the firstcommunications device 112C. For example, the third device may be aBluetooth-capable medallion worn by the user of the first communicationsdevice 112C.

When a second communications device 102C, 110C, or 116C is detected tobe in proximity to the first communications device 112C which is engagedin a call, the call may be transferred in a substantially uninterruptedmanner from the first device 112C to the second device 102C, 110C, or116C. Providing substantially uninterrupted transfer of the call to thesecond device 102C, 110C, or 116C may include identifying the seconddevice 102C, 110C, or 116C to a network 114C by which the call isprovided. The network 114C may substantially duplicate the call to thesecond device 102C, 110C, or 116C. The logic to accomplish the transferof the call may reside within the network 114C or within somecombination of the network and other devices, such as, for example, thefirst device 112C.

In some embodiments, after proximity is detected between the firstdevice 112C and the second device 102C, 110C, or 116C, transfer mayoccur automatically. Transfer may also occur after user manipulation ofa control on the first device 112C. Controls of the first device 112Cmay include at least one button, lever, dial, touch-sensitive area,switch, or voice command control. For example, the user may be providedwith an option on the device's 112C display which, if selected, mayinitiate call transfer.

Alternatively, transfer may occur after user manipulation of a controlon the second device 102C, 110C, or 116C. For example, if the seconddevice is a computer 102C, its display may show an option which, ifselected, may initiate call transfer. In some embodiments, the call maybe transferred in response to motion of the first device toward thesecond device. In some embodiments, the call may be transferred inresponse to orienting the first device toward the second device.

In some embodiments, after the call has been transferred to the seconddevice 102C, 110C, or 116C, it may be transferred in a substantiallyuninterrupted manner back to the first device 112C. The transfer back tothe first device 112C may in some embodiments occur automatically. As anexample, automatic transfer back to the first device 112C may occur whenthe first device 112C is moved out of proximity with the second device102C, 110C, or 116C. The transfer back to the first device 112C may alsooccur as a result of user manipulation of a control on the first device112C or on the second device 102C, 110C, or 116C.

Transferring the call from the first device 112C to the second device102C, 110C, or 116C may include terminating the call from theperspective of the first device 112C. In some embodiments, transferringthe call includes terminating the call to the first device 112C from theperspective of the network 114C. If a second call is received, thesecond call may automatically or under user control also be transferredto the second device 102C, 110C, or 116C.

In some embodiments, communications to the first 112C and second 102C,110C, or 116C devices may be routed through a central premise device,such as the base station 106C.

In some embodiments, communications to the second device 102C, 110C, or116C may be routed through the first device 112C.

In some embodiments where a central premise device 106C or the firstdevice 112C provides the interface to the second device 102C, 110C, or116C, the network 114C and its logic may not be involved inaccomplishing the call transfer. In that situation, the call, from thestandpoint of the network 114C, may still be ongoing with the firstdevice 112C.

In some embodiments, although the call has been transferred to thesecond device 102C, 110C, or 116C, the user may be able to perform somecontrol functions with respect to the call by manipulating controls onthe first device 112C. For example, the user may be able to terminatethe call by manipulating a control on the first device 112C.

In some embodiments, the user will additionally or alternatively be ableto perform some control functions with respect to the call bymanipulating controls on the second device 102C, 110C, or 116C.

FIG. 2C is an action flow diagram of an embodiment of a communicationtransfer process initiated by action of the first device. At 202C,communication takes place between the first device and the network. At201C, transfer of the call which is active on the first device isinitiated (e.g., transfer to occur to the second device). Transfer maybe initiated automatically when the first device becomes proximate withthe second device. Alternatively and/or in conjunction with proximity,the user may operate a control on the first device and/or second deviceto initiate transfer.

In some embodiments, the user may operate a control in response toeither/both the first or second device providing an indication that acall transfer is available. The device in most embodiments would providethis indication after proximity has been detected. Examples of the firstdevice providing an indication that a call transfer is available,include the first device providing at least one touch screen selection,activating a light emitting diode or other visual indication, and/orproviding a tone or other audible indication. An example of the seconddevice providing an indication would be providing, on its display, amessage indicating proximity exists along with an option to initiatetransfer.

At 204C, the network provides a call connection to the second device. At206C, the network duplicates the communication to the second device. Theduplication of communication which may occur accomplishes, from theuser's perspective, a substantially uninterrupted call as transfer isaccomplished. This may be advantageous as the user's attention need notmove instantaneously from the first to second device.

At 208C, the network attenuates communication to the first device,(while possibly enhancing communication to the second device). Graduallyattenuating communication with the first device may include graduallyreducing a volume of the communication with the first device. Graduallyenhancing communication with the second device may include graduallyincreasing the volume of communication with the second device.

In a second scenario, at 210C the communication takes place between thenetwork and the second device. At 211C, transfer of the call which isactive on the second device is initiated (transfer to occur to the firstdevice). Transfer may be initiated automatically when the second deviceis no longer proximate with the first device (and thus presumably, thefirst device and its user have moved away from the second device).Alternatively, the user may operate a control on the first or seconddevice to initiate transfer.

At 212C, the network provides a call connection to the first device. At214C, the network duplicates the communication to the first device. At216C, communication to the second device is attenuated (while possiblyenhancing communication to the first device).

The network may be actively involved in accomplishing the call transferin the above scenarios. Alternatively, in some embodiments, the networkmay be unaware that a call transfer is occurring. In those embodiments,all and/or part of logic to accomplish the call transfer, includingduplicating and enhancing or attenuating communications as indicated,may be performed by elements other than the network. For example, thefirst device might act as a pass-through for communications with thesecond device.

FIG. 3C is an action-flow diagram of an embodiment of the partialcommunication transfer process. At 302C, communication takes placebetween the first device and the network. At 301C, the first devicemoves proximate to the second device, and/or the user of the firstdevice operates a control of the first and/or second devices.

At 304C, the network provides a call connection to the second device.

At 306C, one or more particular data types occurring within the call tothe first device are duplicated to the second device. This duplicationmay be performed wholly or in part by logic within the network, as isshown in FIG. 3C.

Alternatively, in other embodiments, the network may not participate induplication of a portion of the call to the first device. For example,the first device may act as a conduit for specific call information tothe second device, without intervention of the network.

Thus, as shown in FIG. 3C, a portion of the call state (for one or moredata types) is duplicated. For example, if the second device hasspeakers, sounds which are sent to the first device may be expressedthrough the speakers of the second device. For this same call, othertypes of communication, such as inbound text messages, may still occurthrough the first device.

As a second example, if the second device were a television, sounds andimages destined for the first device might be duplicated or expressed onthe television. For this same call, images which include text mightadditionally be expressed on the first device, where data entry wouldoccur.

To accomplish partial call transfer for a particular data type or types,the effecting computing elements (e.g. processor(s) and logic of thefirst device, and/or second device, and/or network) may detect the datatype of communication data. Examples of a data type of communicationinclude voice, video, data file, or music.

Additionally, the capabilities of the proximate device for rendering thedata type may be recognized. Examples include facilities for displayingimages, playing video, and/or playing sound or music.

Accomplishing a partial call transfer may include maintainingcommunication with the first device of data not having the selected datatype(s), and transferring data having the selected data type(s) to theproximate device.

At 308C, the network attenuates communication of the data type (forexample, sounds) to the first device. In other embodiments, aspreviously indicated, attenuation may be performed by the first (orsecond) devices without involvement by the network.

In another scenario, at 308C communication occurs to the first device.At 309C, proximity and/or user manipulation of a control on the firstand/or second device results in initiation of a partial call transfer.At 310C, a connection occurs to the second device as a result of thisinitiation. At 312C, the network and/or other computing elementsduplicates communication of particular application data to the seconddevice (e.g. duplicates data to the second device for which there is awell-suited application of the second device). For example, if thesecond device were a computer having a media player application, and thefirst a cellular phone, it might be recognized that electronic videomessages are well suited to be handled on the second device.

To accomplish partial call transfer for data associated with aparticular application, applications associated with particularcommunication data may be recognized. Examples of likely applicationsinclude a chat application, a messaging application, a game application,a video application, an image processing application, a musicapplication, or an audio application.

Additionally, some of the capabilities of a proximate device may berecognized, possibly including identification of the capability toprovide certain applications.

Additionally, device states and data may be maintained and communicatedto accomplish a substantially uninterrupted transfer to the proximatedevice of data associated with the application. For example, fileattachments associated with an email message may be transferred alongwith ongoing communications.

At 314C, the network attenuates communication of the application data tothe first device and possibly enhances communication of the applicationdata to the second device.

As mentioned before, in other embodiments this functionality may beaccomplished without the involvement of network logic, e.g. the firstdevice acts as a conduit of the data type(s) to the second device.

Those having skill in the art will appreciate that there are variousvehicles by which processes and/or systems described herein can beeffected (e.g., hardware, software, and/or firmware), and that thepreferred vehicle will vary with the context in which the processes aredeployed. For example, if an implementer determines that speed andaccuracy are paramount, the implementer may opt for a hardware and/orfirmware vehicle; alternatively, if flexibility is paramount, theimplementer may opt for a solely software implementation; or, yet againalternatively, the implementer may opt for some combination of hardware,software, and/or firmware. Hence, there are several possible vehicles bywhich the processes described herein may be effected, none of which isinherently superior to the other in that any vehicle to be utilized is achoice dependent upon the context in which the vehicle will be deployedand the specific concerns (e.g., speed, flexibility, or predictability)of the implementer, any of which may vary. Those skilled in the art willrecognize that optical aspects of implementations will requireoptically-oriented hardware, software, and or firmware.

The foregoing detailed description has set forth various embodiments ofthe devices and/or processes via the use of block diagrams, flowcharts,and/or examples. Insofar as such block diagrams, flowcharts, and/orexamples contain one or more functions and/or operations, it will beunderstood as notorious by those within the art that each functionand/or operation within such block diagrams, flowcharts, or examples canbe implemented, individually and/or collectively, by a wide range ofhardware, software, firmware, or virtually any combination thereof.Several portions of the subject matter subject matter described herein,including the control system 608C may be implemented via ApplicationSpecific Integrated Circuits (ASICs), Field Programmable Gate Arrays(FPGAs), digital signal processors (DSPs), or other integrated formats.However, those skilled in the art will recognize that some aspects ofthe embodiments disclosed herein, in whole or in part, can beequivalently implemented in standard integrated circuits, as one or morecomputer programs running on one or more computers (e.g., as one or moreprograms running on one or more computer systems), as one or moreprograms running on one or more processors (e.g., as one or moreprograms running on one or more microprocessors), as firmware, or asvirtually any combination thereof, and that designing the circuitryand/or writing the code for the software and/or firmware would be wellwithin the skill of one of skill in the art in light of this disclosure.In addition, those skilled in the art will appreciate that themechanisms of the subject matter described herein are capable of beingdistributed as a program product in a variety of forms, and that anillustrative embodiment of the subject matter described herein appliesequally regardless of the particular type of signal bearing media usedto actually carry out the distribution. Examples of a signal bearingmedia include, but are not limited to, the following: recordable typemedia such as floppy disks, hard disk drives, CD ROMs, digital tape, andcomputer memory; and transmission type media such as digital and analogcommunication links using TDM or IP based communication links (e.g.,packet links).

In a general sense, those skilled in the art will recognize that thevarious aspects described herein which can be implemented, individuallyand/or collectively, by a wide range of hardware, software, firmware, orany combination thereof can be viewed as being composed of various typesof “electrical circuitry.” Consequently, as used herein “electricalcircuitry” includes, but is not limited to, electrical circuitry havingat least one discrete electrical circuit, electrical circuitry having atleast one integrated circuit, electrical circuitry having at least oneapplication specific integrated circuit, electrical circuitry forming ageneral purpose computing device configured by a computer program (e.g.,a general purpose computer configured by a computer program which atleast partially carries out processes and/or devices described herein,or a microprocessor configured by a computer program which at leastpartially carries out processes and/or devices described herein),electrical circuitry forming a memory device (e.g., forms of randomaccess memory), and/or electrical circuitry forming a communicationsdevice (e.g., a modem, communications switch, or optical-electricalequipment).

Those skilled in the art will recognize that it is common within the artto describe devices and/or processes in the fashion set forth herein,and thereafter use standard engineering practices to integrate suchdescribed devices and/or processes into larger systems. That is, atleast a portion of the devices and/or processes described herein can beintegrated into a network processing system via a reasonable amount ofexperimentation.

The foregoing described aspects depict different components containedwithin, or connected with, different other components. It is to beunderstood that such depicted architectures are merely exemplary, andthat in fact many other architectures can be implemented which achievethe same functionality. In a conceptual sense, any arrangement ofcomponents to achieve the same functionality is effectively “associated”such that the desired functionality is achieved. Hence, any twocomponents herein combined to achieve a particular functionality can beseen as “associated with” each other such that the desired functionalityis achieved, irrespective of architectures or intermedial components.Likewise, any two components so associated can also be viewed as being“operably connected”, or “operably coupled”, to each other to achievethe desired functionality.

Unless the context clearly requires otherwise, throughout thedescription and the claims, the words “comprise,” “comprising,” and thelike, are to be construed in an inclusive sense as opposed to anexclusive or exhaustive sense. Or in other words, for the purposes of“including, but not limited to.” Words using the singular or pluralnumber also include the plural or singular number respectively.Additionally, the words “herein,” “above,” “below” and words of similarimport, when used in this application, shall refer to this applicationas a whole and not to any particular portions of this applicationseparately. When the claims use the word “or” in reference to a list oftwo or more items, that word covers all of the following interpretationsof the word: any of the items in the list, all of the items in the listand any combination of the items in the list.

1.-399. (canceled)
 400. A system comprising: circuitry configured fordetecting a second communication device in proximity to a firstcommunication device engaged in a call, the second communication deviceincluding a display; and circuitry configured for providing transfer ofthe call to the second device, wherein the circuitry configured forproviding transfer of the call to the second device includes at leastcircuitry configured for duplicating at least some call information tothe second device.
 401. The system of claim 400, wherein the circuitryconfigured for detecting a second communication device in proximity to afirst communication device engaged in a call comprises: circuitryconfigured for applying wireless communications between the first andsecond communication devices.
 402. The system of claim 401, wherein thecircuitry configured for applying wireless communications between thefirst and second communication devices comprises: circuitry configuredfor applying Bluetooth communications between the first and secondcommunication devices.
 403. The system of claim 400, wherein the secondcommunication device comprises: at least one of a desktop computer, alaptop computer, a television, a wireless telephone handset, a BlueToothmedallion, a watch, or a device incorporated into jewelry or clothing.404. The system of claim 400, wherein the circuitry configured fordetecting a second communication device in proximity to a firstcommunication device engaged in a call comprises: circuitry configuredfor detecting a wireless signal communicated by the second device. 405.The system of claim 400, wherein the circuitry configured for detectinga second communication device in proximity to a first communicationdevice engaged in a call comprises: circuitry configured for identifyingthe second communication device from one or more images.
 406. The systemof claim 400, wherein the circuitry configured for providing transfer ofthe call to the second device comprises: circuitry configured forsubstantially duplicating information of the call to the second device.407. The system of claim 400, wherein the circuitry configured forproviding transfer of the call to the second device comprises: circuitryconfigured for substantially duplicating information of the call to thesecond device while the call is ongoing with the first device.
 408. Thesystem of claim 400, wherein the circuitry configured for providingtransfer of the call to the second device comprises: circuitryconfigured for transferring the call automatically as a result ofobtaining proximity with the second device.
 409. The system of claim400, wherein the circuitry configured for providing transfer of the callto the second device comprises: circuitry configured for transferringthe call to the second device as a result of operating at least onecontrol of the first device.
 410. The system of claim 400, wherein thecircuitry configured for providing transfer of the call to the seconddevice comprises: circuitry configured for transferring the call inresponse to operation of a control of the second device.
 410. The systemof claim 400, wherein the circuitry configured for providing transfer ofthe call to the second device comprises: circuitry configured forgradually attenuating communication with the first device.
 411. Thesystem of claim 410, wherein the circuitry configured for graduallyattenuating communication with the first device comprises: circuitryconfigured for gradually reducing a volume of the communication with thefirst device.
 412. The system of claim 400, wherein the circuitryconfigured for providing transfer of the call to the second devicecomprises: circuitry configured for identifying the second device to anetwork by which the call is provided, the network substantiallyduplicating the call to the second device.
 413. The system of claim 400,wherein the circuitry configured for providing transfer of the call tothe second device comprises: circuitry configured for providing transferof the call in response to motion of the first device toward the seconddevice.
 414. The system of claim 400, wherein the circuitry configuredfor providing transfer of the call to the second device comprises:circuitry configured for providing transfer of the call in response toorienting the first device toward the second device.
 415. The system ofclaim 400, wherein the circuitry configured for providing transfer ofthe call to the second device comprises: circuitry configured forproviding transfer of a caller identifier to the second device.
 416. Thesystem of claim 400, wherein the circuitry configured for providingtransfer of the call to the second device comprises: circuitryconfigured for providing transfer of a duration of the call to thesecond device.
 417. The system of claim 400, wherein the circuitryconfigured for providing transfer of the call to the second devicecomprises: circuitry configured for providing transfer of a picture of acaller to the second device.
 418. The system of claim 400, wherein thecircuitry configured for providing transfer of the call to the seconddevice comprises: circuitry configured for providing a text messagetransfer to the second device.
 419. The system of claim 400, wherein thecircuitry configured for detecting a second communication device inproximity to a first communication device engaged in a call comprises:circuitry configured for detecting that the first device is in aphysical area; and circuitry configured for detecting that the seconddevice is also in the physical area.
 420. The system of claim 400,wherein the circuitry configured for detecting a second communicationdevice in proximity to a first communication device engaged in a callcomprises: circuitry configured for applying wireless communicationbetween a third communication device and the second communicationdevice.
 421. The system of claim 420, wherein the circuitry configuredfor applying wireless communication between a third communication deviceand the second communication device comprises: circuitry configured forapplying wireless communication between the second communication deviceand a device carried by a user of the first communication device. 422.The system of claim 421, wherein the circuitry configured for applyingwireless communication between the second communication device and adevice carried by a user of the first communication device comprises:circuitry configured for applying Bluetooth communication between thesecond communication device and a device carried by a user of the firstcommunication device.
 423. The system of claim 422, wherein thecircuitry configured for applying Bluetooth communication between thesecond communication device and a device carried by a user of the firstcommunication device comprises: circuitry configured for applyingBluetooth communication between the second communication device and amedallion worn by the user of the first communication device.
 424. Thesystem of claim 400, further comprising: circuitry configured forterminating communication with the first device.
 425. The system ofclaim 400, further comprising: circuitry configured for substantiallyduplicating at least a portion of the state of the call on the seconddevice.
 426. The system of claim 400, further comprising: circuitryconfigured for routing communications to the first and second devicesthrough a central premise device.
 427. The system of claim 400, whereinthe circuitry configured for providing transfer of the call to thesecond device comprises: circuitry configured for establishing a callconnection to the second device.
 428. A method comprising: detecting asecond communication device in proximity to a first communication deviceengaged in a call, the second communication device including a display;and providing transfer of the call to the second device including atleast duplicating at least some call information to the second device.429. A system comprising: means for detecting a second communicationdevice in proximity to a first communication device engaged in a call,the second communication device including a display; and means forproviding transfer of the call to the second device, wherein the meansfor providing transfer of the call to the second device includes atleast means for duplicating at least some call information to the seconddevice.